How much kinetic energy is released

AI Thread Summary
A 6.0-kg object explodes into three equal mass segments, with two segments moving at 20 m/s at a 60° angle. The kinetic energy released during the explosion is calculated using the equation K = 0.5*m*v^2. The correct answer for the kinetic energy released is 2000J, although one participant initially calculated it as 1500J due to an algebraic mistake. A tip was shared to improve accuracy by placing the x-axis between the two moving segments to simplify calculations. The discussion highlights the importance of careful algebraic manipulation in physics problems.
gijungkim
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Homework Statement


A 6.0-kg object, initially at rest in free space, “explodes” into three segments of equal mass. Two of these segments are observed to be moving with equal speeds of 20 m/s with an angle of 60° between their directions of motion. How much kinetic energy is released in this explosion?

a.2.4 kJ

b.2.9 kJ

c.2.0 kJ

d.3.4 kJ

e.1.2 kJ

Homework Equations


m1v1 + m2v2 + m3v3 = m1v1f + m2v2f + m3v3f
K = 0.5*m*v^2

The Attempt at a Solution


The answer is c, 2000J, but I got 1500J and I don't know where I did wrong. Can anyone help me?
My work is in the picture
 

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Nevermind I got it. Just made an algebric mistake..
 

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Even so, herer's a tip: place the x-axis halfway between m1 and m2. That way py cancels. Less chance of error. But you do need cos(60) which at first you had 0 :smile: !
 
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BvU said:
Even so, herer's a tip: place the x-axis halfway between m1 and m2. That way py cancels. Less chance of error. But you do need cos(60) which at first you had 0 :smile: !
Thanks for the tip!
 
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