The problem involves a shell traveling horizontally that explodes into two equal mass fragments. One fragment moves vertically upward after the explosion, and the task is to determine the velocity of the other fragment. The discussion centers around the conservation of momentum and the vector nature of the problem.
There is ongoing exploration of the problem, with various interpretations of the coordinate system and the implications for the solution. Some participants express confusion over the relationship between the components of the velocities, while others provide guidance on using vector notation. A participant has indicated they have derived a specific expression for the velocity of the second fragment but seeks validation of that result.
Participants have noted the importance of defining the coordinate system clearly, as differing interpretations may lead to confusion. There is also mention of the problem being two-dimensional, which affects how the components of the velocities are analyzed.
Don't forget they have directions associated with them.heycoa said:p0=2m*v0
p1=m*v0
Yes ...heycoa said:so the direction of p0 is in the x-direction, and p1 is in the y-direction?
heycoa said:well p2=v2*m
and when i solve for v2 i get 2*v0(x hat) + v0(y hat)
Yes, for p2.heycoa said:Then it should be minus the second term (-m*v0*yhat), right?
Yes !heycoa said:for v2 i get 2*v0(x hat) + v0(y hat)
i calculated the magnitude to be v2=v0*sqrt(5)
does this appear to be correct?
You're welcome.heycoa said:Ok excellent!
So I apparently need to read these questions more carefully and define my coordinate systems.
I can't thank you enough for taking the time and having the patience to work with and follow up with me. Thank you very much