Bomb explosion -- calculating the momentum of one of the fragments

[rudransh verma]

Homework Statement

A bomb at rest explodes into 3 parts of the same mass. The momentum of the 2parts is -2pi^ and pj^. The momentum magnitude of the third part will be

Relevant Equations

$\vec R=\sqrt{{a\hat i}^2+{b\hat j}^2}$

I think if the two parts move in -x and +y direction, it must be balanced by the resultant of the two vectors but in opposite direction.
So $p\sqrt5$ will be the answer.
But I don’t think this is the right way to solve this.

 

[Doc Al]

I think if the two parts move in -x and +y direction, it must be balanced by the resultant of the two vectors but in opposite direction.

It doesn't matter what direction the two parts move. Their total momentum must be balanced by that of the third part.

But I don’t think this is the right way to solve this.

Why not?

 

[rudransh verma]

It doesn't matter what direction the two parts move. Their total momentum must be balanced by that of the third part.

Oh. So this is right. Thanks again.
Can you verify my other post?

 

[Doc Al]

Can you verify my other post?

What post? Provide a link.

 

[rudransh verma]

What post? Provide a link.

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/a-stone-lying-in-a-lake.1012981/post-6608090