A shell of mass follows a parabolic trajectory toward level ground
PHYSICS · Single correct · CBSE · Physics · System of Particles and Rotational Motion · System of Particles and Rotational Motion
Problem
A shell of mass 4m follows a parabolic trajectory toward level ground. At the highest point of its path its vertical speed is zero, and the horizontal speed is vh. At that instant the shell explodes into two pieces of masses m and 3m. The lighter piece is observed to come momentarily to rest relative to the ground just after the explosion. Which statement correctly compares where the two pieces land relative to the point where the intact shell would have landed had it not exploded?
(a) Both pieces land at that point because the explosion does not affect horizontal motion.
(b) The lighter piece lands short of that point, the heavier piece lands beyond it, and the center of mass lands exactly at that point.
(c) Both pieces land short of that point because the explosion removes forward momentum from the system.
(d) The heavier piece lands short of that point while the lighter piece lands beyond it because the lighter piece experienced greater acceleration during the explosion.