How Is Kinetic Energy Distributed in an Explosion with Unequal Mass Fragments?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ArmandoC
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Energy Explosions
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the distribution of kinetic energy in an explosion that separates an object into two fragments with unequal masses. Given that one fragment has 1.5 times the mass of the other and that 7400 J of energy is released, the solution involves applying the conservation of linear momentum and the kinetic energy formula. The equations m1v1 + m2v2 = 0 and 0.5m1v1² + 0.5m2v2² = 7400 are essential for determining the velocities and kinetic energies of each fragment.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of conservation of momentum
  • Familiarity with kinetic energy equations
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
  • Knowledge of mass-energy relationships in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of conservation of momentum in explosions
  • Learn how to apply kinetic energy formulas in multi-body systems
  • Explore examples of energy distribution in different explosion scenarios
  • Investigate the effects of mass ratios on kinetic energy distribution
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding energy distribution in explosive events.

ArmandoC
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


An explosion breaks an object into two pieces, one of which has 1.5 times the mass of the other. If 7400 J were released in the explosion, how much kinetic energy did each piece acquire?


Homework Equations


Momentum?
Kinetic Energy?


The Attempt at a Solution


I used all types of formulas having to do with energies and momentum and nothing gave me an answer.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Use conservation of linear momentum along the horizontal since all the forces are internal (the energy that the explosion released was stored inside the projectile/object).

You know that m1v1+m2v2=0. And are given that m1=1.5m2.
Also, the total energy released in the explosion is converted into kinetic energy (you have to assume that), so 0.5m_1v_1^2+ 0.5m_2v_2^2=7500. Solve for v1/v2 and find the KE of each piece.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
909
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
11K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K