Question

A spacecraft of mass 'M' explodes into two parts when its velocity is 'V'. After the explosion, one part of mass 'm' is left stationary. What is the velocity of the other part?

• A. $\frac{MV}{(M+m)}$
• B. $\frac{MV}{(M-m)}$
• C. $\frac{mV}{(M-m)}$
• D. $\frac{MV}{\left(m\right)}$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $\frac{MV}{(M-m)}$

Mass of the second part = M – m. If its velocity is v, then we have MV = (M – m) v + m $\times$ 0
or $v=\frac{MV}{(M-m)}$, which is choice (b).