(a) We know that a projectile follows a parabolic path in the absence of air resistance. If the projectile explodes into multiple fragments in midair, what is the subsequent path of the center of mass? (b) A shell is fired from level ground, aiming to hit a target 150 m away. Unfortunately, the shell explodes into two equal-mass pieces in midair. The two pieces land at the same time, and one lands 150 m beyond the target. Where does the other piece land? (c) Is your result from part (b) the same if the two pieces land at different times (with one piece still landing 150 m beyond the target)? Don’t just answer yes or no; either prove that the result still holds or offer a specific counterexample.
(a) We know that a projectile follows a parabolic path in the absence of
air resistance. If the projectile explodes into multiple fragments in midair, what is the
subsequent path of the center of mass? (b) A shell is fired from level ground, aiming to hit a
target 150 m away. Unfortunately, the shell explodes into two equal-mass pieces in midair.
The two pieces land at the same time, and one lands 150 m beyond the target. Where does
the other piece land? (c) Is your result from part (b) the same if the two pieces land at
different times (with one piece still landing 150 m beyond the target)? Don’t just answer
yes or no; either prove that the result still holds or offer a specific counterexample.
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