Explosions

Question 1

What must happen in terms of momentum in a collision?

Answer 1

total initial momentum = 0

therefore exploding object must have a momentum = 0

they have to move at equal and opposite of momentum

Question 2

How can this be tested?

Answer 2

trolleys with spring

trolleys A and B push each other apart

two blocks placed so the trolleys hit them at the same moment

= momentum, the ratio of their speed should be the inverse of the amss ratio

if A travels twice as far as B, then A must have half the mass of B