Rocket Explosion Momentum Problem: Troubleshooting for EIT Review

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion addresses a rocket explosion momentum problem involving two fragments with specific masses and angles. The initial momentum is calculated as 6000 kg·m/s in the x-direction. The user attempted to solve for the velocities of the fragments using conservation of momentum but arrived at incorrect values of Va=124.2 m/s and Vb=292.8 m/s, while the correct answers are Va=43.92 m/s and Vb=146.41 m/s. The discrepancy highlights a potential error in the user's application of the momentum equations.

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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, particularly those preparing for the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) exam, as well as educators looking to clarify momentum concepts in explosive scenarios.

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Homework Statement



A rocket explodes into two fragments with the following information:

Initial trajectory: 150 m/s in the x-direction, mass is 40kg

Portion a, post explosion: 45 degree angle above the horizontal, 25kg

Portion b, post explosion: 30 degree angle below the horizontal, 15kg


Homework Equations



Conservation of momentum

The Attempt at a Solution



pi=150(m/s)*40kg=6000 kgm/s
pa=Va[cos 45, sin 45]*25kg=Va(17.68+17.68[j])kg
pb=Vb(cos 30, -sin 30[j])*15kg=Vb(12.99-7.5[j])kg

By conservation of momentum: pi=pa+pb

Two equations in two unknowns:

17.68*Va+12.99*Vb=6000
17.68*Va-7.5*Vb=0

Solving these gives me:

Va=124.2 m/s
Vb=292.8 m/s

However this is wrong, the answer should be:

Va=43.92 m/s
Vb=146.41 m/s

What am I doing wrong here? This is such a simple problem I am reviewing for the EIT, but I cannot for the life of me find out what's wrong and I am getting all the other momentum problems correct. Is the solutions manual incorrect?

Thank you in advance for the help!
 
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Your solution looks good to me.
 
I agree, your sol'n is correct.
 

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