Bomb explodes at rest, conservation of motion problem

In summary, a bomb at rest with 1.0x10^4 J explodes into three pieces. The first piece, weighing 1.0 kg, travels in the positive y direction with a velocity of 60 m/s. The second piece, weighing 4.0 kg, travels in the positive x direction at 40 m/s. Using the conservation of momentum and energy equations, the third piece's mass is determined to be 2.92 kg, with a velocity of 58.5 m/s and an angle of 20.5 degrees.
  • #1
T531
2
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Homework Statement


A bomb at rest with 1.0x10^4 J explodes into three pieces.
The first piece is 1.0 kg and travels in the positive y direction with a velocity of 60 m/s.
The second piece is 4.0 kg and travels in the positive x direction at 40 m/s.
Find the third piece's mass, velocity, and angle.

Diagram attached, but link just in case:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/82417987@N08/7545812162/in/photostream

Homework Equations


momentum(p) = mass*velocity
p(before) = p(after)
Potential Energy = Kinetic Energy
KE =1/2mv^2

The Attempt at a Solution


KE = 1/2*m*v^2
1.0*10^4 = 1/2*(1)*(60)^2 + 1/2*(4)*(40)^2 + 1/2*(m)*(v)^2 <- where m and v are the unknown mass and velocity

Apply conservation of momentum in the x-direction:
The first piece is only in y, so it is not included in the equation. The x-mom eqn becomes:
4.0kg*40m/s + m(ofx)*v(of x) = 0

Now the y-mom equation:
1.0kg*60m/s +m(of y)*v(of y) = 0

I know: m(of x)=m(of y) because both are piece 3. And v^2 = v(of x)^2 + v(of y)^2.

Not sure how to find v(of x) and v(of y)
 

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  • #2
Solve the last two equations for vx and vy. Then plug into the energy conservation and solve for m.
 
  • #3
Okay, so
v(of x) = -160/m
v(of y) = -60/m
1.0x10^4 J = (m)*[(160/m)^2+(60/m)^2]
1.0x10^4 J = m*(25600/m^2 + 3600/m^2) = 29200/m
1.0x10^4 J*m=29200
m=2.92kg

then do I use KE = mv^2 ?
if so 1.0x10^4 J = (2.92kg)v^2
therefore v = 58.5 m/s

then v(of x) = -160/m = -160/(2.92 kg) = -54.8m m/s
and v(of y) = -60/m = -60/(2.92 kg) = -20.5 m/s
so theta = inverse tan(-20.5/-54.8) = 20.5 degrees

So:
Mass = 2.92 kg
Velocity = 58.5 m/s
Theta = 20.5 degrees

Can someone verify that?
Thanks
 
Last edited:

Related to Bomb explodes at rest, conservation of motion problem

1. What is the conservation of motion?

The conservation of motion is a fundamental law of physics that states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant, regardless of external forces acting on the system. This means that the total amount of motion in a system does not change unless acted upon by an external force.

2. How does a bomb exploding at rest relate to the conservation of motion?

A bomb exploding at rest is an example of a closed system suddenly experiencing a large external force, causing a change in its momentum. The conservation of motion states that the total momentum of the system must remain constant, so the momentum lost by the bomb must be equal to the momentum gained by the explosion and any resulting debris.

3. Can the conservation of motion be violated?

No, the conservation of motion is a fundamental law of physics and has been observed to hold true in all physical interactions. It is a foundational principle that helps us understand and predict the behavior of objects in motion.

4. Are there any exceptions to the conservation of motion?

There are no known exceptions to the conservation of motion. However, in certain situations where it seems like momentum is not conserved, it is usually due to the presence of external forces that are not being accounted for or are not fully understood.

5. Why is the conservation of motion important in understanding the explosion of a bomb at rest?

The conservation of motion helps explain how the energy from the bomb's explosion is distributed and how the resulting debris is propelled away from the explosion site. It also allows us to calculate the momentum of the explosion and its effects on the surrounding environment.

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