Q92 / 125 · BITSAT 2018 · Physics

An object of mass 5 kg is projected with a velocity 20 m s-1 at an angle 60°, to the horizontal. At the highest point of its path, the projectile explodes and breaks up into two fragments of masses 1 kg and 4 kg. The fragments separate horizontally after the explosion, which releases internal energy such that the KE of the system af the highest point is doubled. The separation between the two fragments when they reach the ground is

  • A
    52.25 m
  • Correct answer
    B
    44.25 m
  • C
    65.32 m
  • D
    78.76 m

Solution

Given, m=5 kg,v=20 m s-1,θ=60°

Vertical component of velocity, vy=v sin 60°

=20×32=103 m s-1

Time taken to reach the highest point = Time taken to reach the ground from highest point.

t=v sin θg=vyg=1039.8=1.77 s

At the highest point, m splits up into two parts of masses m1=1 kg and m2=4 kg

If their velocities are v1 and v2 respectively, then applying the principle of conservation of linear momentum, we get

m1v1+m2v2=mv cos θ

v1+4v2=5×20×12  ∵    θ=60°

v1+4v2=5×10=50     ....i

Initial KE=12 m v cos θ2

=12×5×102=250 J

Final KE=2 (initial KE)=2×250=500 J

∴  12m1v12+12m2v22=500

or   12×1×v12+12×4×v22=500

or   v12+4v22=1000     ....ii

Solving Eq. (i) and (ii), we get

v1=30 m s-1, v2=5 m s-1

Hence, the separation between the two fragments

=v1-v2×t=30-5×1.77 m=44.25 m

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'B'.

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