Final answer:
The initial velocity of the torpedo is 4.66 m/s. This is determined by applying the law of conservation of linear momentum, which states that the total linear momentum before a collision is equal to the total linear momentum after the collision.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve this problem, we can use the principle of conservation of momentum. According to this principle, the total momentum before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision. Let the initial velocity of the torpedo be denoted as V0. The total momentum before the collision is given by: (1550 kg)(V0) + (770 kg)(0) = (1550 kg + 770 kg)(9.44 m/s). Since the target is initially at rest, its momentum is zero. Solving for V0 gives: V0 = \frac{(1550 kg + 770 kg)(9.44 m/s)}{1550 kg}. Calculating the value, we find V0 = 4.66 m/s. Therefore, the initial velocity of the torpedo is 4.66 m/s. Therefore, the correct answer is option D.