An object that is initially at rest breaks up into two pieces of unequal masses

Question

An object that is initially at rest breaks up into two pieces of unequal masses when a spring-loaded device is released. Immediately after they separate, which of the following is correct: 1) The larger object will have a higher velocity than the second object 2) The larger object will have twice the velocity of the smaller one 3) The larger object will have the same speed as the smaller one 4) The larger object will have a smaller velocity than the smaller object I know 2 is not correct. I also need to know why. Is the velocity on an equal ratio?

Explanation / Answer

4) The larger object will have a smaller velocity than the smaller object This is because of the conservation of momentum As initial momentum is 0, Hence,final momentum will be zero too, m1v1 + m2v2 = 0 |v1/v2| = m2/m1 [Negative sign is ignored as it gives only the direction] Now we see that,velocity is inversely proportional to mass.Hence, larger object will have smaller velocity and vice versa.

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