A rocket explodes into two fragments, one 25 times heavier than the other. The magnitude of the momentum change of the lighter fragment is
A) The same as the momentum change of the heavier fragment.
B) 25 times as great as the momentum change of the heavier fragment.
C) 1/4 as great as the momentum change of the heavier fragment.
D) 5 times as great as the momentum change of the heavier fragment.
E) 1/25 as great as the momentum change of the heavier fragment.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The law of conservation of momentum states that the total momentum of a closed system is constant if no external forces are acting on it. When the rocket explodes, the total momentum of the system (rocket) must be conserved. Therefore, the momentum change of the lighter fragment must be equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the momentum change of the heavier fragment to conserve the total momentum of the system.

A Rocket Explodes into Two Fragments, One 25 Times Heavier