Gravitational Potential Energy and Kinetic Energy
 

Gravitational Potential Energy and Kinetic Energy problem 11


A projectile is fired vertically upwards with a gun. At an altitude of , the projectile stops and explodes into two parts with masses and . The heavier part of the projectile continues to fly vertically upwards and the lighter part vertically downwards. The total energy at the time of the explosion is . Assume that the gravitational acceleration is and air resistance is ignored.


  • What is the speed at which each part of the projectile flies after the explosion, assuming that the potential energy on the ground is zero?

  • What is the velocity of each part of the projectile at time after the explosion?


 

material editor: Ebenezer Famadewa