Question

A 4.5 kg firework exploded into two pieces, which fly horizontally in opposite directions. Piece 1 has a mass of 0.5 kg and a velocity of -48 m/s. Piece 2 has a mass of 4.0 kg.

What is the velocity of piece 2?
a. 6 m/s
b.-6 m/s
c. 5 m/s
d.-5 m/s

Answer 1

The velocity of piece 2 is 6 m/s.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the velocity of piece 2, we can use the conservation of momentum. The momentum before the explosion is equal to the momentum after the explosion. Momentum is calculated by multiplying mass and velocity. So we can write the equation:

(4.5 kg)(0 m/s) = (0.5 kg)(-48 m/s) + (4.0 kg)(v)

Simplifying the equation, we get:

0 = -24 + 4v

24 = 4v

v = 6 m/s

Therefore, the velocity of piece 2 is 6 m/s, so the answer is option a.