Finding Momentum of a fragment after explosion

In summary, the problem involves a small explosive device that breaks into two pieces, with fragment 1 having a momentum of 23kg.m/s at an angle of 28°RCS. The question is asking for the momentum of fragment 2 after the explosion, and using conservation of momentum and trigonometry, we can find the relation between the x and y components of the two pieces to solve for the momentum of fragment 2. This type of problem may be unfamiliar, but it follows the same principles as previous problems involving conservation of momentum.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


A small explosive device slicing to the right breaks into two pieces. The momentum of fragment 1 after the explosion is 23kg.m/s 28°RCS

1Physics.jpg


What is the momentum of fragment 2 after the explosion?

Homework Equations


PT=PT'
P=mv
Rx= Rcos∅
Ry= Rsin∅
R= √x2+y2

The Attempt at a Solution


This is all the information given. I haven't a clue at how to even begin with this one. We generally receive minimal instruction, and we haven't done a single problem like this one. Everything else was a stationary object exploding and we were given masses and velocities and times.

Do I break it down into x and y components and find out the momentum of the grey line, then use that, combined with the 21° (331°?RCS(no clue if that's right, seeing as he went out in left field the other day with the rcs)) to get the momentum of fragment 2? That's the only thing I can think of
 
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  • #2
Vertical component of momentm is also conserved.
Try to find the relation connecting sine components of the two pieces.
 
  • #3
I was just about to ask what a feynman diagram was doing in introductory physics, then I read the question :D

it's all conservation of momentum!
 

Related to Finding Momentum of a fragment after explosion

1. What is momentum?

Momentum is a measure of an object's motion, and is calculated by multiplying its mass by its velocity. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

2. How is momentum affected by an explosion?

In an explosion, the fragments of the object are propelled in different directions at different velocities. This results in a change in the momentum of the object, as the total momentum of the fragments will be different from the initial momentum of the object before the explosion.

3. How do you calculate the momentum of a fragment after an explosion?

To calculate the momentum of a fragment after an explosion, you need to know the mass and velocity of the fragment. You can then use the formula p = m*v, where p is momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity. Keep in mind that momentum is a vector quantity, so you also need to consider the direction of the fragment's motion.

4. What is the conservation of momentum?

The conservation of momentum is a fundamental law of physics that states that the total momentum of a system remains constant unless acted upon by an external force. This means that in an explosion, the total momentum of all the fragments will be equal to the initial momentum of the object before the explosion.

5. How can you use the momentum of fragments after an explosion?

The momentum of fragments after an explosion can be used to determine the direction and speed at which the fragments will travel. This information can be useful in understanding the cause and impact of the explosion, as well as in predicting the trajectory of the fragments and any potential hazards.

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