Final answer:
A shape charge can direct most of the energy released in an explosion in a specific direction by utilizing the laws of conservation of momentum and energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
A shape charge can direct most of the energy released in an explosion in a specific direction by utilizing the laws of conservation of momentum and energy.
When the shape charge explodes, the fragments fly in opposite directions with equal-magnitude momenta so that the total momentum remains zero. This momentum conservation allows the shape charge to direct the explosion energy in a specific direction.
Although the kinetic energy of the system increases after the explosion, the conservation of momentum ensures that most of the energy goes into propelling the fragments in the desired direction.