Energy released by spaceship explosion

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the energy released by a spherical spaceship explosion, specifically a 6.91x106 kg spaceship that splits into two pieces with a mass ratio of 4.77:1. The smaller piece moves at a velocity of 57.6 m/s, while the larger piece is determined to have a speed of 12.075 m/s. The energy released by the explosion is calculated using the kinetic energy formula, KE = 0.5mv2, but initial attempts to sum the kinetic energies of both masses resulted in incorrect answers.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with the kinetic energy formula (KE = 0.5mv2)
  • Basic knowledge of momentum conservation principles
  • Ability to perform algebraic manipulations and solve equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of conservation of momentum in explosions
  • Study the derivation and application of the kinetic energy formula
  • Practice problems involving two-body collisions and explosions
  • Explore energy transformations in physical systems
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and energy conservation, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to explosions and momentum.

avenkat0
Messages
59
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A 6.91x106 kg spherical spaceship in deep space explodes into two pieces, one 4.77 times the mass of the other.
NOTE: the velocity needs magnitude and direction (given by the sign).

a) Suppose the ship is initially at rest, and after the explosion the smaller piece is moving 57.6 m/s.
- Find the speed of the larger piece. 12.075 m/s
- Find the energy supplied by the explosion.


Homework Equations



.5mv^2

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried adding the .5mv^2's of both the masses but the answer comes out to be wrong

THank you
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Desperate need of help in a hurry... sorry for the spam
 

Similar threads

Find the energy which was released when the 'Death Star' was destroyed
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Conservation of Momentum in an Explosive Collision
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Finding velocity of a piece after explosion
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Firework problem, conservation of energy?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
Exploding Spaceship: Calculating Velocity and Energy
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
How Far is the Spaceship from the Planet at the Time of Explosion in its Frame
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Projectile Motion/ Explosion Mid air
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
Conservation of Momentum Spaceship Question
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Solve 1D Explosion Problem: Find Mass, Speed, Force & Momentum
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
11K
Kinetic energy of rocket explosion
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K