Solving Firework Explosion Homework Problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter cstout
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The problem involves a firecracker that explodes into three equal mass pieces, with two pieces moving at 130 m/s at right angles. The conservation of momentum principle is crucial, as the initial momentum is zero at the highest point of the toss. To find the velocity of the third piece, the momentum in both the x and y directions must be balanced, leading to the conclusion that the third piece's velocity is not simply 130 m/s. The correct approach involves calculating the resultant velocity using vector components, resulting in a speed of approximately 183.3 m/s for the third piece. Understanding momentum conservation is essential for solving this type of physics problem.
cstout
Messages
37
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A firecracker is tossed straight up into the air. It explodes into three pieces of equal mass just as it reaches the highest point. Two pieces move off at 130 m/s at right angles to each other. How fast is the third piece moving?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I'm not sure what to do with this problem, I thought the third piece would be the same as the other two at 130m/s but this is not the case. What is there to do?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Conservation of momentum

Initially the momentum is zero(because it was at the highest point and wasn't moving)

but now you have three pieces, so the x and y components of the three pieces' momentums(I hate saying momenta)must cancel so that Pi=Pf
 
so does Pi = 260(mass) and Pf = mass(velocity) so the masses cancel and the velocity is 260?
 
Thread 'Voltmeter readings for this circuit with switches'

Thread 'Voltmeter readings for this circuit with switches'

TL;DR Summary: I would like to know the voltmeter readings on the two resistors separately in the picture in the following cases , When one of the keys is closed When both of them are opened (Knowing that the battery has negligible internal resistance) My thoughts for the first case , one of them must be 12 volt while the other is 0 The second case we'll I think both voltmeter readings should be 12 volt since they are both parallel to the battery and they involve the key within what the...
View full post »
Thread 'Correct statement about a reservoir with an outlet pipe'

Thread 'Correct statement about a reservoir with an outlet pipe'

The answer to this question is statements (ii) and (iv) are correct. (i) This is FALSE because the speed of water in the tap is greater than speed at the water surface (ii) I don't even understand this statement. What does the "seal" part have to do with water flowing out? Won't the water still flow out through the tap until the tank is empty whether the reservoir is sealed or not? (iii) In my opinion, this statement would be correct. Increasing the gravitational potential energy of the...
View full post »

Similar threads

Firework problem, conservation of energy?
Replies
18
Views
2K
An exploding cannon shell
Replies
4
Views
795
Exploding Pumpkin: Solving for Third Fragment's Velocity, Direction, and Mass
Replies
8
Views
2K
Finding velocity of a piece after explosion
Replies
3
Views
2K
Solving the Firework Exploding Homework Statement
Replies
4
Views
8K
Relative Velocity and Angles of Movement (Sears & Zemansky's Exercise)
Replies
11
Views
2K
Firework Explosion: Find the Speed of 3rd Piece
Replies
3
Views
5K
Velocities and momentum after explosions
Replies
1
Views
3K
A 470g firework is traveling straight up at 13 m/s
Replies
19
Views
7K
Explosion of firecracker on pond
Replies
10
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top