A particle of mass 4M at rest splits into two particles of mass M and 3M. The ratio of the kinetic energies of mass M and 3M would be:
A
3:1
B
1:4
C
1:1
D
1:3
Step-by-Step Solution
Conservation of Momentum: Since the initial particle is at rest, the initial total momentum is zero. In the absence of external forces, the total momentum of the system is conserved during the split (explosion/decay) [Class 11 Physics, Ch 6, Sec 6.4, Eq 6.18a].
Pinitial=Pfinal=0p1+p2=0⟹p1=−p2
The magnitudes of momentum for both particles are equal: p1=p2=p.
Relate Kinetic Energy to Momentum: Kinetic energy (K) is related to momentum (p) and mass (m) by the formula:
K=2mp2
Calculate Ratio:
For the first particle (mass M): K1=2Mp2
For the second particle (mass 3M): K2=2(3M)p2Ratio K2K1=6Mp22Mp2=2Mp2×p26M=3
Thus, the ratio is 3:1.
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