Conservation of momentum and energy

AI Thread Summary
In a discussion about a nucleus splitting into two fragments of unequal mass, it was established that the smaller mass will have a larger speed due to conservation of momentum. The fragments must have equal and opposite momentum, leading to the conclusion that the smaller mass also has greater kinetic energy. The relationship between momentum and kinetic energy was highlighted, indicating that the smaller mass's momentum is consistent with its kinetic energy. The correct answer to the posed question is option D, which includes both speed and kinetic energy. Overall, the principles of momentum and energy conservation were effectively applied to solve the problem.
karis
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Homework Statement



A nucleus originally at rest splits into two fragments of unequal mass. The fragment with smaller mass has a larger
1.momentum
2.speed
3.Kinetic energy

A. 1only
B. 3only
C. 1&2 only
D. 2&3 only
E. 1,2 &3

The Attempt at a Solution


well, i can figure out the speed of the smaller mass will be larger, but how about the momentum and the kinetic energy?
in what way can i determine if they will be larger or not?

The ans is D
Thank You=)
 
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Hi karis, wecome to PF.

Since originally the nucleus is at rest, after splitting two fragments must have equal and opposite momentum, irrespective of their unequal masses.
Hence smaller mass must have...speed.
The relation between momentum and kinetic energy can be written as
p = sqrt(2mE) where E is KE.
Since p is the same for both the fragments,
smaller mass will have ...KE.
 
Thank you very much:)
 

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