A "double satellite" is launched into space.It consists of a satellite of mass m and another satellite of mass 5m.The connecting mechanism of these satellites is an explosive bolt and a compressed spring,both of negligible mass.The bolt is exploded and the satellites drift apart having been pushed by the spring.When the less massive satellite has moved a distance of 2.5 m from the center of mass of the double satellite,how far away from it is the satellite of greater mass?
A)3.0 m
B)2.0 m
C)0.50 m
D)4.5 m

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Explanation:Momentum is conserved. The total momentum of the system is zero, so the momentum of the less massive satellite must be equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the momentum of the more massive satellite. The distance from the center of mass is inversely proportional to the mass, so the more massive satellite must be 5/1 = 5 times closer to the center of mass than the less massive satellite. Therefore, the more massive satellite is 2.5 m / 5 = 0.5 m from the center of mass.

A "Double Satellite" Is Launched into Space