A spacecraft of total mass is drifting in deep space far from external forces
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
A spacecraft of total mass 4.0×103kg is drifting in deep space far from external forces. Its on-board fuel tank explodes and the craft separates into two parts having masses 3.0×103kg and 1.0×103kg. The chemical energy released in the explosion is 7.2×106J, all of which is converted into the kinetic energy of the two parts.
(i) Derive an expression relating the speeds of the two parts immediately after the explosion.
(ii) Calculate the speed of each part.
(iii) Determine the magnitude of the impulse imparted to each part during the explosion.