PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
A cart of mass 3.0 kg, initially at rest on a nearly friction-free horizontal air track, contains a small pressurized gas canister. When the canister is punctured, the cart separates instantaneously into two rigid pieces that move in opposite directions along the track. The smaller piece has mass 1.0 kg and is observed to move to the right with speed 2.4 m/s immediately after separation. Neglect any external horizontal forces during the event.
(a) Determine the speed of the larger piece immediately after separation, including its direction.
(b) Calculate the total translational kinetic energy of the two pieces immediately after separation.
(c) The separation was driven by energy released from the gas canister. Determine how much of that released energy was converted into translational kinetic energy of the two pieces.
(d) Describe the motion of the center of mass of the system before, during, and immediately after the separation, and justify your description using appropriate physical principles.