Explosion of a Mass Homework Help

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the explosion of an object with a total mass of 16.6 kg into three pieces. The first piece (m1 = 5 kg) moves at 27 m/s at an angle of 25° above the -x axis, while the second piece (m2 = 5.4 kg) moves at 21.8 m/s at an angle of 30° to the right of the -y axis. The participants calculate the x and y components of the third piece's velocity using momentum conservation principles, but the results do not match the expected answers from their program. The correct approach involves ensuring that the sum of the momentum components equals zero.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of momentum conservation in physics
  • Ability to resolve vectors into components
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions (sine and cosine)
  • Knowledge of center of mass calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review vector resolution techniques in physics
  • Study momentum conservation laws in multi-body systems
  • Learn about calculating the center of mass for composite systems
  • Explore common pitfalls in physics problem-solving and how to avoid them
USEFUL FOR

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

sg1272
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
1. Homework Statement
An object with total mass mtotal = 16.6 kg is sitting at rest when it explodes into three pieces. One piece with mass m1 = 5 kg moves up and to the left at an angle of θ1 = 25° above the –x axis with a speed of v1 = 27 m/s. A second piece with mass m2 = 5.4 kg moves down and to the right an angle of θ2 = 30° to the right of the -y axis at a speed of v2 = 21.8 m/s. What is the x-component of the velocity of the third piece? What is the y-component of the velocity of the third piece? What is the magnitude of the velocity of the center of mass of the pieces after the collision?


2. Homework Equations
I know that for both components, the velocities of all three masses equal 0 when added together (v1_x+v2_x+v3_x=0 and same for y component). I know how to solve for the center of mass using the velocities but I need to figure out the velocity components of the third mass first.


3. The Attempt at a Solution
I've tried this many ways but the one that seems correct to me would be...
v1_x = -27 m/s * cos (25) =-24.47 m/s
v2_x = 21.8 m/s * sin (30) = 10.9 m/s
v3_x = -v1_x - v2_x = 24.47 m/s - 10.9 m/s = 13.57 m/s
v1_y = 27 m/s * sin (25) = 11.41 m/s
v2_y = -21.8 m/s * cos (30) = -18.88 m/s
v3_y = -v1_y - v2_y = -11.41 m/s + 18.88 m/s = 7.47 m/s
However, none of these answers are correct according to the program I am using.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to Physics Forums.
sg1272 said:
1. Homework Statement
An object with total mass mtotal = 16.6 kg is sitting at rest when it explodes into three pieces. One piece with mass m1 = 5 kg moves up and to the left at an angle of θ1 = 25° above the –x axis with a speed of v1 = 27 m/s. A second piece with mass m2 = 5.4 kg moves down and to the right an angle of θ2 = 30° to the right of the -y axis at a speed of v2 = 21.8 m/s. What is the x-component of the velocity of the third piece? What is the y-component of the velocity of the third piece? What is the magnitude of the velocity of the center of mass of the pieces after the collision?2. Homework Equations
I know that for both components, the velocities of all three masses equal 0 when added together (v1_x+v2_x+v3_x=0 and same for y component).
No. The momentum of all three masses, when added together, equals zero.

I know how to solve for the center of mass using the velocities but I need to figure out the velocity components of the third mass first. 3. The Attempt at a Solution
I've tried this many ways but the one that seems correct to me would be...
v1_x = -27 m/s * cos (25) =-24.47 m/s
v2_x = 21.8 m/s * sin (30) = 10.9 m/s
v3_x = -v1_x - v2_x = 24.47 m/s - 10.9 m/s = 13.57 m/s
v1_y = 27 m/s * sin (25) = 11.41 m/s
v2_y = -21.8 m/s * cos (30) = -18.88 m/s
v3_y = -v1_y - v2_y = -11.41 m/s + 18.88 m/s = 7.47 m/s
However, none of these answers are correct according to the program I am using.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
7K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K