Momentum of Explosions: Solving for Direction and Mass

In summary, momentum is a measure of an object's motion, calculated by multiplying its mass and velocity. It is conserved in a system when the total momentum before and after an interaction or event remains the same. Momentum can be negative, and friction can decrease it by creating a force that acts in the opposite direction of an object's motion. Momentum differs from kinetic energy in that it is a vector quantity that takes into account an object's mass and velocity, while kinetic energy is a scalar quantity that only takes into account an object's mass and speed.
  • #1
wwerox13
1
0
A bomb initially at rest on a smooth, horizontal surface is ex*ploded into three
pieces. Two pieces fly off horizontally at a 60°angle to each other, a 2.0 kg piece at
20 m/s and a 3.0 kg piece at 12 m/s. The third piece flies off horizontally at 30 m/s.

(a) Determine the direction of motion of the third piece.

(b) What is its mass?
 
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  • #2
I think you missed the part where you're supposed to list what relevant equations you know, and you present your attempts at a solution.
 

Related to Momentum of Explosions: Solving for Direction and Mass

1. What is momentum and how is it calculated?

Momentum is a measure of the motion of an object, taking into account both its mass and velocity. It is calculated by multiplying an object's mass by its velocity (p = mv).

2. How is momentum conserved in a system?

Momentum is conserved in a system when the total momentum before an interaction or event is equal to the total momentum after the interaction or event. This means that the sum of all individual momentums in the system remains constant.

3. Can momentum be negative?

Yes, momentum can be negative. This typically occurs when an object is moving in the opposite direction of a chosen reference point or when it has a negative velocity.

4. How does friction affect momentum?

Friction can decrease an object's momentum by slowing it down. This is because friction creates a force that acts in the opposite direction of an object's motion, making it harder for the object to maintain its velocity.

5. How is momentum different from kinetic energy?

Momentum is a vector quantity that takes into account an object's mass and velocity, while kinetic energy is a scalar quantity that only takes into account an object's mass and speed. Additionally, momentum describes the motion of an object, while kinetic energy describes the energy of an object in motion.

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