Final answer:
To find the tension in the wire immediately after a collision, we use conservation of momentum to calculate the new velocity and then apply Newton's second law to calculate the tension. The tension in the wire is the sum of the gravitational force and the centripetal force required for the new circular motion of the combined mass, which is approximately 18.96 N.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is about determining the tension in the wire immediately after a collision in which a missile embeds itself in an ornament. To solve this problem, we use the principle of conservation of momentum to find the velocity of the combined mass just after the collision and then apply Newton's second law to determine the tension.
First, we find the combined mass's velocity using the conservation of momentum:
Initial momentum = (mass of missile × velocity of missile) + (mass of ornament × velocity of ornament)
Since the ornament is initially at rest, its velocity is 0 m/s:
Initial momentum = (0.300 kg × 12.0 m/s) + (0.900 kg × 0)
Initial momentum = 3.6 kg·m/s
After the collision, the combined mass moves as one body:
Final momentum = (combined mass) × (final velocity)
3.6 kg·m/s = (0.900 kg + 0.300 kg) × (final velocity)
Final velocity = 3.0 m/s
Now we calculate the tension in the wire. The only forces immediately after the collision are the tension in the wire and the gravitational force on the combined mass, so:
Tension = Gravitational force + Centripetal force required for circular motion
Tension = (combined mass × gravity) + (combined mass × (velocity)^2 / wire length)
Tension = ((0.900 kg + 0.300 kg) × 9.8 m/s²) + ((0.900 kg + 0.300 kg) × (3.0 m/s)^2 / 1.50 m)
Tension = (1.200 kg × 9.8 m/s²) + (1.200 kg × 9.0 m²/s² / 1.50 m)
Tension = 11.76 N + 7.20 N
Tension = 18.96 N
Thus, the tension in the wire immediately after the collision is approximately 18.96 N.