A particle initially at rest explodes into masses m₁ and m₂ moving in opposite directions at speeds v₁ and v₂. Find ratio of kinetic energies E₁/E₂.
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A particle initially at rest explodes into masses m₁ and m₂ moving in opposite directions at speeds v₁ and v₂. Find ratio of kinetic energies E₁/E₂.

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Step 1 — Principle: During a very brief explosion, external impulse is negligible; total momentum is conserved. Step 2 — Working: Momentum magnitudes are equal: m₁v₁=m₂v₂=p. Step 3 — Working: Then E₁=p²/(2m₁), E₂=p²/(2m₂), so E₁/E₂=m₂/m₁. Correct answer: A — m₂/m₁.