Final velocity, incomplete equation (answear included)

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bcoolplayer
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Homework Statement



A space vehicle traveling at a velocity of 1200ms -1 separates by a controlled explosion into two sections of mass 865kg and 2010 kg. The two parts carry on in the same direction with the heavier rear section moving 120 ms -1 slower than the lighter front section. Determine the final velocity of each section.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


i got as far as this on the equation however I am stuck
(865+2010)*1200=865*V+(V-120)*2010=2875*…

we have been told that V=1284m/s
and heavier body velocity=1164m/s
 

Discussion

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bcoolplayer said:
i got as far as this on the equation however I am stuck
(865+2010)*1200=865*V+(V-120)*2010=2875*…

we have been told that V=1284m/s
and heavier body velocity=1164m/s

Well, you're almost there. You've got an equation that can be solved for V:

(865+2010)*1200=865*V+(V-120)*2010
 
ok that good 2 know, and where 2 go from here
 
Ask yourself what V represents (after all, you wrote the equation!). Compare with what the problem is asking you to find out.
 
im really stuck, i don't know please give me a hint
 
the travling velocity
 
bcoolplayer said:
the space vehicle

Surely that's what the "1200" is on the left hand side of the equation?
 
i aint got a clue, is it for the heavier body velocity
 
You need to be sure if you are to understand how to do these sorts of problems.

What physical law allowed you to write the equation in the first place?
 
bcoolplayer said:
dllamberts principle

Not quite. There's a particular conservation law involved here.