Exploding Spaceship: Calculating Velocity and Energy

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the velocity and energy of a spherical spaceship with a mass of 2,710,000 kg that explodes into two pieces, one being 3.61 times the mass of the other. In scenario (a), with the spaceship initially at rest, the smaller piece moves at 70.9 m/s, leading to the larger piece's velocity being calculated using conservation of momentum. In scenarios (b) and (c), where the spaceship has an initial velocity of 48.9 m/s, the smaller piece's velocities are 70.9 m/s and -70.9 m/s respectively, requiring adjustments in calculations for the larger piece's velocity while still applying momentum conservation principles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear momentum conservation
  • Basic knowledge of kinetic energy calculations
  • Familiarity with algebraic manipulation for solving equations
  • Concept of mass distribution in explosions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of conservation of momentum in multi-body systems
  • Learn how to calculate kinetic energy from mass and velocity
  • Explore the effects of different mass ratios on explosion dynamics
  • Investigate real-world applications of momentum conservation in aerospace engineering
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, aerospace engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of explosions and momentum conservation in space environments.

rishabh_k
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Homework Statement


a 2710000kg spherical spaceship in deep space explodes into two pieces, one 3.61 times the mass of the other. (a) suppose the ship is initially at rest, and after the explosion the smaller piece is moving at 70.9m/s. Find the velocity of the larger piece. Find the energy supplied by the explosion.
(b) Suppose the ship is initially moving at the constant velocity 48.9m/s.After the explosion, the smaller piece is moving 70.9m/s in the same direction as the initial velocity. Find the velocity of the larger piece.
(c) Suppose the ship is initially moving at constant velocity 48.9m/s. After the explosion, the smaller piece is moving -70.9m/s.Find the velocity of the larger piece.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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rishabh_k said:

Homework Statement


a 2710000kg spherical spaceship in deep space explodes into two pieces, one 3.61 times the mass of the other. (a) suppose the ship is initially at rest, and after the explosion the smaller piece is moving at 70.9m/s. Find the velocity of the larger piece. Find the energy supplied by the explosion.
(b) Suppose the ship is initially moving at the constant velocity 48.9m/s.After the explosion, the smaller piece is moving 70.9m/s in the same direction as the initial velocity. Find the velocity of the larger piece.
(c) Suppose the ship is initially moving at constant velocity 48.9m/s. After the explosion, the smaller piece is moving -70.9m/s.Find the velocity of the larger piece.

Surprise me and show me you knew all along that linear momentum was conserved.
 

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