Question:medium

A body of mass \(M\) at rest explodes into three pieces, in the ratio of masses 1:1:2. Two smaller pieces fly off perpendicular to each other with velocities of 30 m/s and 40 m/s respectively. The velocity of the third piece will be:

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- When solving explosion problems, apply the conservation of momentum in both the horizontal and vertical directions.
- Use vector addition to find the resultant velocity.
- The negative signs indicate opposite directions but do not affect magnitude.
Updated On: Nov 26, 2025
  • 15 m/s
  • 25 m/s
  • 35 m/s
  • 50 m/s
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Applying the Law of Conservation of Momentum
The initial momentum of the stationary body is zero. According to the law of conservation of momentum, the total momentum after the explosion must also be zero. 
The masses of the fragments are in the ratio \(1:1:2\). Let these masses be \(m_1 = m\), \(m_2 = m\), and \(m_3 = 2m\). 

\( \text{Total momentum before explosion} = 0 \)

\( \text{Total momentum after explosion} = \text{momentum of piece 1} + \text{momentum of piece 2} + \text{momentum of piece 3} = 0 \)

\[m_1 v_1 + m_2 v_2 + m_3 v_3 = 0\]

 Where: 
- \(v_1 = 30 \, \text{m/s}\) (velocity of the first piece) 
- \(v_2 = 40 \, \text{m/s}\) (velocity of the second piece) 
- \(v_3\) is the velocity of the third piece. 

Step 2: Resolving Momentum Components The fragments are emitted perpendicularly. Momentum can be resolved into horizontal and vertical components. 
In the horizontal direction: \[ m \cdot 30 + m \cdot 0 + 2m \cdot v_{3x} = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad 30 + 2v_{3x} = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad v_{3x} = -15 \, \text{m/s} \] 
In the vertical direction: \[ m \cdot 0 + m \cdot 40 + 2m \cdot v_{3y} = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad 40 + 2v_{3y} = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad v_{3y} = -20 \, \text{m/s} \] 
Step 3: Calculating the Velocity of the Third Piece The velocity of the third piece is the vector sum of its horizontal and vertical velocity components: \[ v_3 = \sqrt{v_{3x}^2 + v_{3y}^2} = \sqrt{(-15)^2 + (-20)^2} = \sqrt{225 + 400} = \sqrt{625} = 25 \, \text{m/s} \] Final Answer: The velocity of the third piece is \(25 \, \text{m/s}\).

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