Conservation of momentum and kinematics - exploding artillery shell

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the conservation of momentum and kinematics related to an artillery shell that explodes into two pieces. The shell, with a mass of 10 kg, is launched at a velocity of 3,000 ft/sec at a 30-degree angle. After 5 seconds, it explodes, resulting in two fragments: one weighing 3 kg and the other 7 kg. The 3 kg piece lands 20,000 ft east and 3,000 ft north of the launch point, prompting the need to calculate the landing position of the 7 kg piece using the equations of motion and momentum conservation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of conservation of momentum in physics
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations, specifically for projectile motion
  • Ability to decompose vectors into x and y components
  • Knowledge of basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the conservation of momentum in multi-body systems
  • Learn how to resolve vectors into components for projectile motion analysis
  • Explore the kinematic equations for two-dimensional motion
  • Practice solving problems involving explosions and conservation laws in physics
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and projectile motion, as well as educators looking for practical examples of conservation laws in action.

khfrekek92
Messages
79
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



An artillery shell of mass 10 kg is launched due east at 3,000 ft/sec at an angle of 30 degrees above the horizontal. It explodes 5 seconds later, and splits into 2 pieces - one of mass m1 3 kg and the other m2 of mass 7 kg. Neglect air resistance. The 3 kg piece lands 4 seconds after the explosion at a point 20,000 ft. east and 3,000 ft north of the launch point. When and where does the second piece land?

Homework Equations



mv=m1v1 + m2v2
x=x0+v0T+.5at^2

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm pretty sure these are the equations you are supposed to use, but I don't know where to go from there. I need to split it up into the x,y, and z components, right? then what?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Try it. After you split everything into x,y,z components, how many pieces of your two equations do you already know?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
12K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
7K
Replies
3
Views
3K