Solution
Related Formula
pinitial = pfinal M₁ V₁ + M₂ V₂ + M₃ V₃ = 0Core Logic
The total mass is 14 kg and breaks in ratio 2:2:3. Let the masses be M₁, M₂, and M₃.
M₁ = (2)/(7) × 14 = 4 kg M₂ = (2)/(7) × 14 = 4 kg M₃ = (3)/(7) × 14 = 6 kgStep 1: Setup Momentum Equations
Since M₁ and M₂ fly off perpendicular to each other, let their velocity vectors be along the x and y axes. Because the total momentum must be zero, we align the fragments opposite to the final 3rd fragment's direction for simplicity, or just use standard axes.
Let V₁ = -18 i and V₂ = -18 j. Note that the solution simplifies the mass ratio directly to 2, 2, 3 as relative masses for the momentum equation:
2(-18 i) + 2(-18 j) + 3 V₃ = 0Step 2: Solve for Velocity
V₃ = 36 i + 36 j3 = 12 i + 12 jMagnitude of V₃:
| V₃| = √(12² + 12²) = 12√(2) m/sPattern Recognition
In a 3-part explosion from rest, the momentum of the third piece must be equal and opposite to the vector sum of the other two pieces. You can use the ratio of masses directly in the momentum conservation equation instead of absolute masses to save time.
Chapter Mix
Class 11 Physics: Center of Mass and Collisions