Projectile explodes at peak where will it fall?

In summary, we have a projectile that explodes at its highest point, releasing equal mass fragments. One fragment falls vertically with an initial speed, while the other strikes the ground at a certain point. We are given the mass, angle, initial velocity, and gravitational acceleration, and we need to use conservation of momentum to calculate the velocities of the fragments. Drawing a diagram can help visualize the situation and solve for the velocities.
  • #1
jaymode
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There is a projectile that explodes into equal mass fragments at its highest point. One falls vertically with initial speed. I need to find where the other will strike the ground and the energy released during the explosion.

I am given the mass(19.6kg), angle (56 degress), initial velocity(79.0m/s), and g (9.8m/s^2).

I know i need to use center of mass somehow but I really do not know how to go about solving this and could use some help.
 
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  • #2
is this a projectile which was shot at an angle of 56 degrees with velocity 79m/s and then exploded at the highest point??

In that case you can use conservation of momentum for this one fragment that bursted into two with one going down and the other going off at an angle.

Draw a diagram of this and figure it out
The momentum is conserved only for the initial moments so eveything you calculate is the instantaneous (at the highest point) velocity. Thereafter you can calculate parts of the second piece that went at the angle upward
 
  • #3


To determine where the other fragment will strike the ground and the energy released during the explosion, we can use the principle of conservation of momentum and energy.

First, let's label the two fragments as A and B. Fragment A falls vertically with an initial speed of 79.0m/s. Using the formula v = u + at, where v is the final velocity, u is the initial velocity, a is acceleration (in this case, acceleration due to gravity which is -9.8m/s^2), and t is time, we can find the time it takes for fragment A to reach the ground.

v = u + at
0 = 79.0 - 9.8t
t = 8.06 seconds

Therefore, fragment A will take 8.06 seconds to reach the ground.

Now, let's look at fragment B. Since the explosion happens at the peak of the projectile's trajectory, we can assume that fragment B has the same initial velocity and angle as the projectile. Using the formula v = u + at, we can find the horizontal and vertical components of fragment B's velocity.

Horizontal component:
v_x = u_x = u * cos(56) = 79.0 * cos(56) = 42.50m/s

Vertical component:
v_y = u_y + at
v_y = u * sin(56) - 9.8 * 8.06
v_y = 79.0 * sin(56) - 78.87
v_y = 50.56m/s

Now, we can use the formula x = ut + 1/2at^2 to find the horizontal distance traveled by fragment B before it reaches the ground.

x = ut + 1/2at^2
x = 42.50 * 8.06 + 1/2 * 0 * (8.06)^2
x = 342.65m

Therefore, fragment B will strike the ground at a horizontal distance of 342.65m from the point of explosion.

To calculate the energy released during the explosion, we can use the formula KE = 1/2mv^2, where KE is kinetic energy, m is mass, and v is velocity.

For fragment A:
KE_A = 1/2 * 19.6 * (79.0)^2
KE_A = 61,726.80 Joules
 

What is a projectile?

A projectile is any object that is thrown, shot, or otherwise propelled through the air. Examples include bullets, arrows, and cannonballs.

What causes a projectile to explode at its peak?

A projectile can explode at its peak due to a variety of reasons, such as a malfunctioning detonator or a built-in self-destruct mechanism.

How does the height of a projectile's peak affect where it will fall?

The height of a projectile's peak does not affect where it will eventually fall. The horizontal distance it travels and the force of gravity are the main factors that determine its landing location.

What factors affect the peak height of a projectile?

The peak height of a projectile is affected by its initial velocity, angle of launch, and air resistance. The higher the initial velocity and angle of launch, the higher the peak height will be. Air resistance can also decrease the peak height.

Is there a way to calculate where a projectile will fall after exploding at its peak?

Yes, the trajectory of a projectile can be calculated using mathematical equations that take into account its initial velocity, angle of launch, and air resistance. However, factors such as wind and air density can also affect the projectile's actual landing location.

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