Conservation of Momentum of radioactive mass

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the conservation of momentum in a radioactive decay scenario involving a nucleus of mass 235 units disintegrating into two smaller nuclei. The initial momentum is calculated as 94,000 kg km/s, and the momentum after disintegration is expressed as the sum of the momenta of the two resulting nuclei. The calculations show that if the 95-unit nucleus moves backwards at 200 km/s, the velocity of the 140-unit nucleus is determined to be approximately 807.14 km/s. A correction is noted regarding the unit of velocity, indicating that "kg" should not be included. The conclusion confirms the accuracy of the momentum conservation approach used in the calculations.
Peter G.
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A radioactive nucleus of mass 235 units traveling at 400 km/s disintegrates into a nucleus of mass 95 units and a nucleus of 140 units. If the nucleus of mass 95 units travels backwards at 200 km/s what is the velocity of the nucleus of mass 140 units?

Momentum before = Momentum After

Momentum before = mv = 235 x 400 = 94000
Momentum after = mv1+ mv2

94000 = (95 x -200) + (140v)
94000 = -19000 + 140v
94000 + 19000 = 140v
v=807.14 kg km/s

Is what I did correct?

Thanks,
Peter G.
 
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It is correct, if that kg is removed from the unit of velocity.

ehild
 

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