Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems · Problem 9-9

Motion in a Noninertial Reference Frame — Marion & Thornton

Physics — Mechanics · momentum-explosions

Problem

A projectile is fired at an angle of

45^\circ

with initial kinetic energy

E_0

. At the top of its trajectory, the projectile explodes with additional energy

E_0

into two fragments. One fragment of mass

m_1

travels straight down. What is the velocity (magnitude and direction) of the second fragment of mass

m_2

and the velocity of the first? What is the ratio of

m_1/m_2

when

m_1

is a maximum?