Conservation of Momentum problem.

[BareFootKing]

Homework Statement

Example 17.5.1 page 9 :

I understand everything but one assumption that is made. " We can use this to determine the speed of the larger piece after the collision. Since the larger piece takes the same amount of time to return to the ground as the projectile originally takes to reach the top of the flight." Page 10

I don't understand why the time the larger piece takes to get to the ground is the same as the previous peace.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[tiny-tim]

Hi BareFootKing!

I don't understand why the time the larger piece takes to get to the ground is the same as the previous peace.

Because both pieces have the same initial vertical speed (zero), and the same vertical acceleration.

 

[BareFootKing]

Thank you very much.