Explosion of one mass into three

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a 4.2 kg object that explodes into three equal mass fragments, with two fragments moving at 5.0 m/s at right angles to each other. The goal is to determine the kinetic energy released during the explosion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conservation of momentum to find the velocity of the third object and the kinetic energy of each fragment. There is uncertainty about how to incorporate the third object's velocity into the calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on using conservation principles to find the necessary velocities and kinetic energies. There is an ongoing exploration of calculations, with one participant expressing understanding and another suggesting a need for clarification on calculations.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes a lack of coverage of the topic in class, indicating potential gaps in foundational knowledge. The discussion reflects varying levels of confidence and understanding among participants.

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Homework Statement


A 4.2 kg object, initially at rest, "explodes" into 3 objects of equal mass. Two of these are determined to have velocities of equal magnitudes (5.0 m/s) with directions that differ by 90 degrees. How much kinetic energy was released in the explosion? (that is what is the energy of the three object systems after the explosions)


Homework Equations



To be honest, my teacher did not cover this in class so I'm naked in the dark on this one.

The Attempt at a Solution



Since they are at 90 degrees to each other, one would be 5 j m/s and the other would be 5 i m/s. I am not sure where to go from there or where the third factors in.
 
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Since the center of mass remains the same from conservation of momentum, then first figure the velocity of the third object. (Happily you can because you know the mass of all 3 pieces are equal.)

Then you know how much KE each piece has since you know their masses and velocities.
 
Ok, thank you so much. I undertand.
 
Did you get 103.5 J?
 
Perhaps you should show your calculation?
 

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