Splitting an Asteroid: Calculating Alterations in Course with Explosive Charge

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The discussion focuses on calculating the alteration in course of two asteroid fragments resulting from an explosive charge. The first fragment, weighing 2x10^12 kg, changes its velocity by 2 m/s. To find the change in velocity of the second fragment, weighing 3x10^12 kg, the conservation of momentum principle is applied. Participants suggest using the asteroid's rest frame for easier calculations, as it simplifies the problem by setting the initial speed to zero. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding physics laws in different inertial frames for accurate calculations.
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An explosive charge breaks up an asteroid into two pieces, of 2x1012kg and 3x1012kg respectively. If the first alters course by 2ms-1, by how much does the second alter course?



I really don't know where to start on this. It must be about conservation of momentum, but i don't get how to do this without an angle or initial speed.
 
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Hi TheTourist! Welcome to PF! :wink:

The laws of physics work in any inertial frame, so choose whatever inertial frame makes the calculations easiest.

In this case, choose the rest frame of the asteroid …

then its initial speed is zero, and the fragments will go at opposite angles. :smile:
 
Thats great thanks, got the exam this morning so that was some good advice!
 

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