A 0.50-kg bomb is sliding along an icy pond (frictionless surface) with a velocity of 2.0 m/s to the west. The bomb explodes into two pieces. After the explosion, a 0.20-kg piece moves south at 4.0 m/s. What are the components of the velocity of the 0.30-kg piece?
A)4.0 m/s north, 0 m/s
B)2.7 m/s north, 3.3 m/s west
C)4.0 m/s north, 2.7 m/s west
D)0 m/s, 2.0 m/s east
E)4.0 m/s north, 2.0 m/s east

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The initial momentum is 1.0 kg·m/s west. After the explosion, the momentum of the 0.20-kg piece is 0.8 kg·m/s south. Using conservation of momentum, the 0.30-kg piece must have a momentum of 0.9 kg·m/s west and 0.8 kg·m/s north, resulting in a velocity of 2.7 m/s north and 3.3 m/s west.

A 050-Kg Bomb Is Sliding Along an Icy Pond (Frictionless Surface)