A 1200-kg cannon suddenly fires a 100-kg. Cannonball at 35 m/s. What is the recoil speed of the cannon? Assume that frictional forces are negligible and the cannon is fired horizontally.

Question

A 1200-kg cannon suddenly fires a 100-kg.  Cannonball at 35 m/s. What is the recoil speed of the cannon? Assume that frictional forces are negligible and the cannon is fired horizontally.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The recoil speed of the cannon can be calculated using the principle of conservation of momentum. Before firing, the total momentum of the system (cannon + cannonball) is zero because neither is moving. After firing, the momentum of the cannonball is 100 kg * 35 m/s = 3500 kg*m/s. For the total momentum to remain zero, the cannon must have an equal and opposite momentum. Thus, the recoil speed of the cannon (V) can be found using the equation: momentum of cannonball = mass of cannon * V. Rearranging for V gives V = 3500 kg*m/s / 1200 kg = 2.9 m/s.

A 1200-Kg Cannon Suddenly Fires a 100-Kg