Question

A shell is fired from gun with a velocity of $300m{s}^{-1}$ making an angle ${60}^0$ with the horizontal it bursts into two pieces whose masses are in the ratio 1 : 3. The smaller piece retraces its path after the explosion and enters the gun. Find the velocity of the larger piece, immediately after the explosion.

• A. $0m{s}^{-1}$
• B. $200m{s}^{-1}$
• C. $250m{s}^{-1}$
• D. $300m{s}^{-1}$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $250m{s}^{-1}$

Conserving momentum,

$m\times 150=-\frac{m}{4}\times 150+\frac{3m}{4}\times v$

$\frac{5m}{4}\times 150=\frac{3m}{4}\times v$

$v=250m/s$