Question

When a cracker at rest explodes into two equal parts, in which of the following ways will these parts move?

• A. Opposite directions with equal velocities.
• B. Opposite directions with unequal velocities.
• C. Opposite directions with equal or unequal velocities.
• D. Same direction with equal velocities.

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Opposite directions with equal velocities.

The cracker explodes because of internal forces. Hence, the momentum will remain conserved. As initially it is at rest, total momentum after the explosion will also be equal to zero. Hence, the two equal parts will move with same speed in opposite directions.