Question

A ROCKET EXPLODS IN MID AIR.HOW DOES THIS AFFECT

(i) ITS TOTAL MOMENTUM

(ii) ITS TOTAL KINETIC ENERGY.

Answer 1

In this case, as momentum is conserved, the initial momentum of the rocket (before it exploded) would be equal to the sum of the final momenta of all the pieces.

So, in effect the momentum has been transferred but the total magnitude (and direction) is conserved and thus it remains constant.

Kinetic energy is decreased as some energy is lost during explosion.