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) 0.5 m
D) 4.5 m

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Explanation:The total momentum of the system is zero, so the momentum of the less massive satellite is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the momentum of the more massive satellite. Therefore, the more massive satellite must have moved a distance of 5/2 = 2.5 m from the center of mass.

A "Double Satellite" Is Launched into Space