The discussion revolves around the conservation of momentum in the context of a projectile that may explode at its maximum height. Participants are exploring whether momentum is conserved in both horizontal and vertical axes during such an event, particularly considering the influence of gravity.
There is an ongoing exploration of the conditions under which momentum might be considered conserved. Some participants suggest that the explosive forces could dominate over gravitational forces during the explosion, leading to a potential conservation of momentum in both directions. However, others note that gravity still influences the momentum in the vertical direction.
Participants are discussing the assumptions related to the forces acting on the projectile, particularly the relative magnitudes of gravitational force and explosive force during the explosion. There is a recognition that these assumptions may affect the interpretation of momentum conservation.
Toranc3 said:Homework Statement
Is momentum conserved in a projectile? I was a bit confused with this. Would it be conserved only horizontally? What if it explodes at its max height?
Homework Equations
mv=mv2
The Attempt at a Solution
ok so let's say some mass at the top of a projectile explodes. The external force on my system(mass) is the force of gravity. During the explosion though, the force of gravity is small enough to ignore it(compared to the explosion). So momentum is conserved in the x and in the y, starting at the top of a projectile. Is it correct to say that?berkeman said:What are your thoughts? What can change momentum?
Toranc3 said:ok so let's say some mass at the top of a projectile explodes. The external force on my system(mass) is the force of gravity. During the explosion though, the force of gravity is small enough to ignore it(compared to the explosion). So momentum is conserved in the x and in the y, starting at the top of a projectile. Is it correct to say that?
It's generally a good assumption, considering that the explosive forces are high and short-lived, that other forces such as gravity can be ignored during the explosion. So momentum is conserved during the collision.Toranc3 said:ok so let's say some mass at the top of a projectile explodes. The external force on my system(mass) is the force of gravity. During the explosion though, the force of gravity is small enough to ignore it(compared to the explosion). So momentum is conserved in the x and in the y, starting at the top of a projectile. Is it correct to say that?