Question

A shell in projectile motion explodes while in motion, what is the trajectory of the center of the fragments?

• A. A straight line
• B. A circle
• C. A parabola
• D. A hyperbola

Hint:

Remember that the trajectory of the center of mass in any explosion or collision remains unchanged, and it continues to follow the same path as the body before the explosion.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

When a shell in projectile motion explodes, the center of mass of the shell and the resulting fragments continues to follow the same trajectory as if it had not exploded. This is a result of the conservation of momentum. The center of mass will follow the same parabolic path as the projectile would have if it had not exploded. Thus, the trajectory of the center of the fragments is a parabola.