How Does the Law of Conservation of Momentum Apply in a Firework Explosion?

[sumitmanhas]

Homework Statement

A giant "egg" explodes as part of a fireworks display. The egg is at rest before the explosion, and after the explosion, it breaks into two pieces, with the masses indicated in the diagram, traveling in opposite directions.

Part A
What is the momentum P_A,i of piece A before the explosion?(initial momentum)
Part B
During the explosion, is the force of piece A on piece B greater than, less than, or equal to the force of piece B on piece A?

Homework Equations

law of conservation of momentum

The Attempt at a Solution

part a
i think as it says in the question that the egg is at rest so won't the initial momentum be zero but a bit hesitant ...cant be that easy...
part b
equal forces according to Newtons law ?

 

[aimslin22]

That's right! just set it up lie that and remmber since they go in opposite directions, one is negative so

0 = m1v1-m2v2

 

[sumitmanhas]

THANKS aimslin 22 for givin positive resp