Question

A bomb at rest explodes into three pieces of equal masses. If two pieces move perpendicular to each other, each with a speed \( v \), then the speed of the third piece is:

• A. \( v \)
• B. \( \sqrt{2}v \)
• C. \( \frac{v}{\sqrt{2}} \)
• D. \( 2v \)

Hint:

In problems involving explosions, use conservation of momentum to find the velocities of the pieces after the explosion.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Using conservation of momentum, we calculate the speed of the third piece. Since two pieces move perpendicular to each other with equal speed, the third piece must have a speed of \( \sqrt{2}v \) to conserve momentum. Thus, the correct answer is option (2).