A projectile travels east at when it explodes into two fragments

PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Force and Translational Dynamics · Force and Translational Dynamics

Problem

0.50\,\text{kg}

projectile travels east at

8.0\,\text{m\,s}^{-1}

when it explodes into two fragments. Immediately after the explosion, a

0.30\,\text{kg}

fragment is observed moving east at

4.0\,\text{m\,s}^{-1}

. The

0.20\,\text{kg}

fragment moves east as well (speed not observed). After

0.10\,\text{s}

, a

0.40\,\text{kg}

block sliding west at

2.0\,\text{m\,s}^{-1}

becomes embedded in the

0.20\,\text{kg}

fragment, and they stick together. Neglect external horizontal forces for the entire interval. What is the speed and direction of the center of mass of the system consisting of all three objects (both fragments plus the block) immediately after the block sticks? (a)

5.3\,\text{m\,s}^{-1}

east (b)

2.7\,\text{m\,s}^{-1}

west (c)

3.6\,\text{m\,s}^{-1}

east (d)

4.4\,\text{m\,s}^{-1}

east

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