Need help Projectile motion after breaking in two pieces

  • #1
10
0

Homework Statement


An object is launched from Earth as a projectile. At the top of its trajectory the object breaks into separate pieces at a horizontal distance 300m from the launch point. One piece has 1/4 of the mass of the initial object and the other piece has 3/4 of the mass of the initial object. The smaller piece falls straight to the ground while the larger continues its motion.

At what horizontal distance from the launch point does the larger piece land?


Homework Equations


Do I need to use a projectile motion equation?
M1 = 1/4m
M2 = 3/4m
Vy = 0 m/s


The Attempt at a Solution


I know that both pieces will hit the ground at the same time b/c of 1-D kinematics.
I'm so lost but here's an attempt:
For 1/4m = M1
(M1)gh = 1/2mv^2
(1/4m)gh = 1/2(1/4m)v^2
Okay now I don't have height or anything??
 
  • #2

Homework Statement


An object is launched from Earth as a projectile. At the top of its trajectory the object breaks into separate pieces at a horizontal distance 300m from the launch point. One piece has 1/4 of the mass of the initial object and the other piece has 3/4 of the mass of the initial object. The smaller piece falls straight to the ground while the larger continues its motion.

At what horizontal distance from the launch point does the larger piece land?

Homework Equations


Do I need to use a projectile motion equation?
M1 = 1/4m
M2 = 3/4m
Vy = 0 m/s

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that both pieces will hit the ground at the same time b/c of 1-D kinematics.
I'm so lost but here's an attempt:
For 1/4m = M1
(M1)gh = 1/2mv^2
(1/4m)gh = 1/2(1/4m)v^2
Okay now I don't have height or anything??

Maybe you are making it too complicated?

If it didn't break apart the whole thing would land another 300m further on wouldn't it? So when it breaks apart where does the center of mass end up? If you guessed 300m I think that would be a good guess. So ... if the center of mass is at 600m and the 1/4 piece is at 300m mark where would you look for the 3/4 piece?
 

Suggested for: Need help Projectile motion after breaking in two pieces

Replies
39
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
647
Replies
20
Views
1K
Replies
18
Views
805
Replies
2
Views
922
Replies
10
Views
791
Back
Top