What Is the Ratio of Distances Each Block Travels After a Firecracker Explosion?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a wooden block that is split into two pieces of differing masses due to a firecracker explosion. The inquiry focuses on determining the ratio of distances each block travels after the explosion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the masses of the blocks and their resulting velocities, questioning how this affects the distances traveled. One participant attempts to establish a ratio based on their understanding of velocity and distance.

Discussion Status

Some guidance has been provided regarding the need to focus on the ratio of distances rather than absolute distances. Participants are exploring the implications of velocity on distance traveled, with one suggesting a potential ratio of 1/3 based on their reasoning.

Contextual Notes

The original poster's problem statement includes specific conditions about the masses of the blocks and the setup of the firecracker, which may influence the assumptions being made in the discussion.

pb23me
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Homework Statement


A wooden block is cut into two pieces, one with three times the mass of the other. A depression is made in both faces of the cut, so that a firecracker can be placed in it with the block reassembled. The reassembled block is set on a rough-surfaced table, and the fuse is lit. When the firecracker explodes, the two blocks separate and slide apart. What is the ration of distances each block travels?




Homework Equations


4mv=3mv-mv
4mv=0 so 3v=v


The Attempt at a Solution

I see that one velocity is one third of the other but I am not sure what answer to give as to how far each block travels?
 
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You don't need to know how far, just the ratio of their distances.

Hint: If you run twice as fast as I do (and we start at the same time and go in opposite directions), what's the ratio of our distances from the starting point at any time? (Make up some numbers and see how it works.)
 
ok it seems like it would just be 1/3
 
That's it.
 

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