Question

A rocket explodes into two fragments, one 25 times heavier than the other. The magnitude of the momentum change of the lighter fragment is A) 25 times as great as the momentum change of the heavier fragment. B) The same as the momentum change of the heavier fragment. C) 1/25 as great as the momentum change of the heavier fragment. D) 5 times as great as the momentum change of the heavier fragment. E) 1/4 as great as the momentum change of the heavier fragment.

Answer 1

Answer:

B) The same as the momentum change of the heavier fragment.

Explanation:

Since the initial momentum of the system is zero, we have

0 = p + p' where p = momentum of lighter fragment = mv where m = mass of lighter fragment, v = velocity of lighter fragment, and p' = momentum of heavier fragment = m'v' where m = mass of heavier fragment = 25m and v = velocity of heavier fragment.

0 = p + p'

p = -p'

Since the initial momentum of each fragment is zero, the momentum change of lighter fragment Δp = final momentum - initial momentum = p - 0  = p

The momentum change of heavier fragment Δp' = final momentum - initial momentum = p' - 0 = p' - 0 = p'

Since p = -p' and Δp = p and Δp' = -p = p ⇒ Δp = Δp'

So, the magnitude of the momentum change of the lighter fragment is the same as that of the heavier fragment.  

So, option B is the answer