Question

An 8 kilogram cannonball is loaded into a 1000 kilogram stationary cannon. When fired horizontally the velocity of the cannonball is 300 meters per second east. Determine the cannon's recoil velocity.

Answer 1

The recoil velocity of the cannon is 2.38 m/s.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given;

mass of cannonball, m₁ = 8 kg

mass of stationary cannon, m₂ = 1000 kg

initial velocity of the cannonball, u₁ = 300 m/s

initial velocity of the cannon, u₂ = 0

Let the recoil velocity of the cannon, = v

Apply the principle of conservation of linear momentum;

m₁u₁ + m₂u₂ = v(m₁ + m₂)

8(300) + 1000(0) = v(8 + 1000)

2400 = v(1008)

v = 2400/1008

v = 2.38 m/s

Therefore, the recoil velocity of the cannon is 2.38 m/s.