(i) Explain the principle of the conservation of linear momentum. [2 marks] A ra

Question

(i) Explain the principle of the conservation of linear momentum. [2 marks]
A radioactive Uranium nucleus of mass 3.92×10–25 kg is moving along the x-axis with a speed of v
= 1.5 × 104 m/s. It all of a sudden decays by dividing into two pieces, one of mass m1 = 0.07 × 10–25 kg and the other of mass m2 = 3.85 × 10–25 kg.
(ii) After the decay, the more massive particle continues to move in the original direction of motion with a speed of vd = 1.3 × 103 m/s. Find the velocity and direction of the lighter particle. [4 marks]
(iii) What is the change in the kinetic energy during this decay process? [3 marks]
(iv) Comment on the result in (iii) and suggest an explanation for the origin of this change in kinetic energy.

Explanation / Answer

   (1)    If no net external force acts on a system of particles ,the total linear momentum P of the system cannot chage.this result is called law of consevation of linear momentum.It can also be written as                                                    Pi˜Pf          suppose that the no external force Fnet acting on a system of particles is zero (the system is isolated ) and that no particles leave or enter the system (the system is closed).      since Fnet= (dp / d t) putting  Fnet=0                                             P˜constant                                                                                                                             

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