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AP Physics C: Mechanics
4.3 Conservation of Linear Momentum
4.1 Linear Momentum
AdvancedMCQMathematicalProportional AnalysisConceptual20.3k
A projectile of mass \(M\) is launched over horizontal ground. At the apex of its trajectory, at a height \(H\) and horizontal distance \(D\) from the launch point, the projectile has speed \(v_0\) and explodes into two fragments of masses \(m_1\) and \(m_2\), where \(m_1 + m_2 = M\). The explosion releases energy \(E\), propelling both fragments horizontally along the original line of flight such that fragment \(2\) lands at horizontal position:

\[ x_2 = 2D + \sqrt{\dfrac{2H}{g}}\sqrt{\dfrac{2m_1 E}{m_2 M}} \]

In the limiting case where \(m_2 \ll m_1\), which of the following correctly describes the landing position \(x_2\) of fragment \(2\) and the landing position \(x_{\text{cm}}\) of the system's center of mass at the instant of impact?

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