Explosions
Part of the Mechanics section of Coddy's Physics journey. Lesson 73 of 97.
In an explosion an object at rest breaks into pieces, and the total momentum stays zero:
Two pieces: equal and opposite momenta, so the lighter piece is faster.
Three pieces: the x momenta add up to zero, and so do the y momenta.
The three momenta add up to zero: tip to tail, they end where they started.
Challenge
A toy at rest on an air table snaps into three pieces. Piece A () slides at , above the x axis, piece B slides along the x axis, and piece C has a mass of . Find the size of piece C's y velocity.
Try it yourself
Solve for
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Mechanics
4Inclined Planes
Forces on an InclineGravity ComponentsFrictionless InclineIncline with FrictionWill It Slide?Recap - Ramp Challenge7Projectile Motion
Independent AxesHorizontal LaunchLaunch at an AngleRange and Max HeightRecap - Hit the Target10Work and Energy
WorkKinetic EnergyWork-Energy TheoremGravitational PEConservation of EnergyPowerRecap - Roller Coaster13Impulse and Momentum
MomentumImpulseConservation of MomentumElastic CollisionsInelastic CollisionsRecap - Air Track16Simple Harmonic Motion
What is SHM?Mass on a SpringThe PendulumSHM GraphsEnergy in SHMRecap - Oscillator2Vectors and Newton's Laws
Right TrianglesWhat is a Vector?Adding VectorsAxes and DirectionsVector ComponentsForces Around UsFriction and TensionNewton's First LawNewton's Second LawNewton's Third LawRecap - Net Force