Calculating Mass and Velocity of Exploding Object Pieces

AI Thread Summary
A 50kg object explodes into three pieces, with known masses and velocities for two pieces. The first piece, weighing 25kg, moves at 12m/s at an angle of [N 30° E], while the second piece, weighing 12kg, moves at 10m/s [S]. To find the mass and velocity of the third piece, momentum conservation principles are applied, requiring the division of momentum into x and y components. The calculations confirm that the velocity of the third piece is 15.8 m/s, correcting an earlier misinterpretation of units. The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly identifying vector components to solve for the unknown piece.
cvc121
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Homework Statement


A 50kg object explodes into three pieces. Piece 1 flies off at 12m/s [N 30o E], piece 2 has velocity 10m/s [ S ]. If the mass of piece 1 is 25kg and piece 2 is 12kg, find the mass and velocity of piece 3.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


My attempt is shown below. Can anyone confirm my work? Not sure if my vector diagram is drawn correctly. Thanks! All help is very much appreciated!
 

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I don't think that is correct.
you should divide momentum into components (x and y)

furthermore, what is V3= xxx Kg*m/s ... are kg*m/s a velocity dimension?
 
The working looks good, solving from the vector diagram. The correct vector was identified that makes the net momentum zero, and its components determined.
 
The answer should read 15.8 m/s not 15.8 kgm/s. My bad.
 
cvc121 said:
The answer should read 15.8 m/s not 15.8 kgm/s. My bad.
yeah.. and the answer is correct sorry, my bad.
 

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