Projectile Motion of an Exploding Shell

In summary, a 75 kg shell is launched with an initial speed of 125 m/s at an angle of 55 degrees. It explodes at its highest point and splits into two fragments, with one being four times more massive than the other. The heavier fragment lands directly below the explosion point. Since the explosion only exerts forces in the horizontal direction, the lighter fragment, which has a mass of 15 kg, will land at a distance from the launch point determined by its horizontal velocity.
  • #1
GoSS190
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A 75 kg shell is fired with an initial speed of 125 m/s at an angle 55 degrees above horizontal. Air resistance is negligible. At its highest point, the shell explodes into two fragments, one four times more massive than the other. The heavier fragment lands directly below the point of the explosion. If the explosion exerts forces only in the horizontal direction, how far from the launch point does the lighter fragment land?

Alright so I know you have to find the projectile motion before the explosion. So you would divide it up into 125sin(55) and 125cos(55). Then you need to find where its highest point is or where the velocity is equal to zero. Then you take this point and the horizontal velocity and use 1/5 of the 75kg shell or 15kg. Then its just like a rolling object off a table right?
 
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  • #2
At the highest point the velocity isn't zero, but one of the components is.
 

Related to Projectile Motion of an Exploding Shell

1. What is projectile motion?

Projectile motion is the movement of an object through a space, which is influenced only by the force of gravity.

2. How does an exploding shell experience projectile motion?

An exploding shell experiences projectile motion in the same way as any other object. It is launched with an initial velocity and then follows a parabolic path due to the force of gravity.

3. What factors affect the projectile motion of an exploding shell?

The factors that affect the projectile motion of an exploding shell include the initial velocity, the angle of launch, and the force of gravity. Other factors such as air resistance and wind can also have an impact on the trajectory of the shell.

4. How can the trajectory of an exploding shell be predicted?

The trajectory of an exploding shell can be predicted using mathematical equations and principles of physics, such as projectile motion equations and the laws of motion. Factors such as the initial velocity and angle of launch can be used to calculate the trajectory.

5. What are the applications of studying projectile motion of an exploding shell?

Studying the projectile motion of an exploding shell has various practical applications, such as in military operations, fireworks displays, and sports like baseball and football. It also helps in understanding the laws of motion and gravity, which have broader implications in physics and engineering.

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