Q. A spacecraft of mss $M$ moving with velocity $v$ in free space explodes and breaks into two pieces. After the explosion, a mass $m$ of the space craft is left stationary. The velocity of the other part is
A) $\frac{mv}{M - m}$
B) $\frac{Mv}{M - m}$
C) $\frac{M + m}{M}$
D) $\frac{Mv}{M}$
Explanation
(b) Applying conservation of momentum,
$Mv = m \times 0 + (M - m)V$
or $V = \frac{M}{M - m}v$
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.