Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems · Problem 9-10
Motion in a Noninertial Reference Frame — Marion & Thornton
Physics — Mechanics · momentum-explosions
Problem
A cannon in a fort overlooking the ocean fires a shell of mass M at an elevation angle θ and muzzle velocity v0. At the highest point, the shell explodes into two fragments (masses m1+m2=M), with an additional energy E, traveling in the original horizontal direction. Find the distance separating the two fragments when they land in the ocean. For simplicity, assume the cannon is at sea level.