PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Laws of Motion · Laws of Motion
Problem
A small research probe in deep space, initially at rest relative to an inertial reference frame, separates into three identical modules, each of mass 3.0kg, by detonating built-in charges. Two of the modules fly off simultaneously: one moves at 20ms−1 on a heading of 45∘ above the +x-axis, and the other moves at 20ms−1 on a heading of 45∘ below the +x-axis. External forces during the separation are negligible.
(a) Draw a momentum vector diagram representing the momenta of the two departing modules and the unknown momentum of the third module.
(b) Determine the x- and y-components of the velocity of the third module immediately after the separation.
(c) Calculate the magnitude and direction of the third module’s velocity.
(d) Verify that the velocity of the system’s center of mass is unchanged by the separation event, and briefly explain what this implies about external forces.