Exploding shell at the top of its trajectory

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After a shell explodes at the top of its trajectory, the center of gravity of the fragments experiences a downward acceleration equal to g, with no x-component present. This is due to the fact that the shell was fired straight upwards, and the explosion does not affect the constant velocity in the x-direction. The discussion clarifies that the assumption of no x-acceleration is valid as the explosion's effects are momentary and do not alter horizontal motion.

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"After a shell explodes at the top of its trajectory, the center of gravity of the fragments has an acceleration, in the absence of air resistance, equal to g and downward."

Why isn't there an x-component?

I get why there would be a downward component with a = g, but shouldn't there at least be an increase in acceleration in the x dimension? Does it not have an acceleration in the x direction just because it's traveling at a constant velocity in the x direction (i.e., does it assume the explosion doesn't affect velocity in the x direction, albeit momentarily)?
 
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1/ it was fired straight upwards

2/ shaped charge setup to fire straight downwards

TBH it sounds like a really stupid question. If it "explodes" some portion of the fragments will expand outwards in all directions ...
 
d3mm said:
1/ it was fired straight upwards

2/ shaped charge setup to fire straight downwards

TBH it sounds like a really stupid question. If it "explodes" some portion of the fragments will expand outwards in all directions ...

Ah. My bad. I was assuming for some reason that it wasn't fired straight up. And yeah, I just wish it said split or something rather than "explodes". Anyway, I appreciate the help : D
 

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