Splitting an Asteroid: Calculating Alterations in Course with Explosive Charge

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The discussion focuses on the application of conservation of momentum to determine the course alteration of two asteroid fragments resulting from an explosive charge. The two fragments have masses of 2x1012 kg and 3x1012 kg. When the first fragment alters its course by 2 m/s, the second fragment's course alteration can be calculated using the principle of momentum conservation in the inertial frame of the asteroid, which is initially at rest.

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TheTourist
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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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