A Supernova is a massive star that blows up, sending part of its mass off into s

Question

A Supernova is a massive star that blows up, sending part of its mass off into space and leaving behind a small, dense neutron star. An asymmetry was detected in the explosion of the Supernova 1987A. Assume that the Supernova was essentially at rest relative to the earth before it explodes. As a result of the explosion a blob of material having a mass of m1 = 2.62x10^30 kg has been ejected away from earth at a speed of 1.95x10^6 m/s while the rest of the ejected material which has a mass of m2 = 7.28x10^30 kg is moving toward the earth at a rate of about 2.00x10^5 m/s. After the Supernova explodes and the two fragments are moving off in opposite directions, a third fragment in the form of a neutron star of mn = 2.97x10^30 kg is always present.

a. Do you expect momentum to be conserved in the explosion? Explain.

b. At what speed and direction should be the neutron star be moving relative to the earth?

Explanation / Answer

Here ,

part A)

as there is no external force acting on the system

the momentum will be conserved

part B)

let the speed of the neutron is v m/s

Using conseravtion of momentum

m1 * v1 - m2 * v2 + mn * v = 0

2.62 *10^30 * 1.95 *10^6 - 7.28 * 10^30 * 2 *10^5 + 2.97 *10^30 * v = 0

solving for v

v = -1.23 *10^6 m/s

the speed of the neutron star is -1.23 *10^6 m/s

the speed of the neutron star is 1.23 *10^6 m/s in negative direction

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