A small explosive charge separates two sections of astationary satellite in frictionless outer space. If the 100-kg smallersection’s resulting velocity is 3 m/s, what is the resulting velocity of the 350-kg larger section?Also, which section has the greater kinetic energy? A small explosive charge separates two sections of astationary satellite in frictionless outer space. If the 100-kg smallersection’s resulting velocity is 3 m/s, what is the resulting velocity of the 350-kg larger section?Also, which section has the greater kinetic energy?
Explanation / Answer
momentum is conserved, so momentum of larger piece = momentum of smallerpiece and . 350 * v = 100 * 3 . v = 0.857 m/s is the speed of thelarger piece . The smaller piece hasgreater kinetic energy because it has faster speed.