| Before explosion both object stick together and at rest. | After collision, both object move at opposite direction. |
| Total Momentum before collision Is zero | Total Momentum after collision : m1v1 + m2v2 |
| From the law of conservation of momentum:
Total Momentum Before collision
= Total Momentum after collision 0 = m1v1 + m2v2 m1v1 = - m2v2 (-ve sign means opposite direction) | |
Example:
A man fires a rifle which has mass of 2.5 kg. If the mass of the bullet is 10 g and it reaches a velocity of 250 m/s after shooting, what is the recoil velocity of the pistol?
Answer:
This is a typical question of explosion.
m1 = 2.5 kg
m2 = 0.01 kg
u1 = 0 ms-1
u2 = 0 ms-1
v1 = ?
v2 = 250 ms-1
By using the equation of conservation of momentum principle
0 = m1v1 + m2v2
0 = (2.5)v1 + (0.01)(250)
(2.5)v1 = -2.5v1 = -1 ms-1
A man fires a rifle which has mass of 2.5 kg. If the mass of the bullet is 10 g and it reaches a velocity of 250 m/s after shooting, what is the recoil velocity of the pistol?
Answer:
This is a typical question of explosion.
m1 = 2.5 kg
m2 = 0.01 kg
u1 = 0 ms-1
u2 = 0 ms-1
v1 = ?
v2 = 250 ms-1
By using the equation of conservation of momentum principle
0 = m1v1 + m2v2
0 = (2.5)v1 + (0.01)(250)
(2.5)v1 = -2.5v1 = -1 ms-1