A spring -loaded toy sits at rest on horizontal frictionless surface. When the spring releases, the toy breaks into three equal-mass pieces A, B and C, which slide along the surface. Piece A moves off in the negative x-direction, while piece B moves off in the negative y-direction. Which of the three pieces is moving the fastest?
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The velocity of the 3rd piece that is C will have the highest speed.
Explanation:
- this is because of the triangle law of vector. It states that if two vectors are lined in such a way that they form the two arms of a right angle triangle then the third vector will be equal to the third arm of the vector.
- now according to the law of conservation of mass since all the three particles have equal mass and they were initially at rest hence the resultant velocity of all the three particles will also be equal to zero. Now the first two pieces moves along the negative x-axis and negative y axis respectively. Hence the motion of the third particle will be such that it will make it the first two vector.
- This means that the resultant vector will have the value of the the hypotenuse of the triangle which is formed by the other two factor. Since hypotenuse is the biggest part of a right angle triangle the vectors c will have the highest speed
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