A fireworks rocket is launched vertically upward at 40 m/s. At the peak of its trajectory, it explodes into two equal-mass fragments. One reaches the ground t1 = 2.71s after the explosion. When does the second reach the ground?t=?

6.13 seconds

Explanation:

At the peak of the fireworks trajectory, the velocity of the firework would be zero. Using equation of motion, we have:

v² = u² + 2gh

0 = 40² - (2)(9.81)(h)

0 = 1600 - 19.62h

19.62h = 1600

h = 1600/19.62

h = 81.55 m

Now during the process of explosion, the two parts gained equal vertical momentum but in opposite directions.

We are told the first piece lands in a time of 2.71 s,

Using 3rd equation of motion, we have;

h = ut + ½gt²

81.55 = u(2.71) + ½(9.81 × 2.71²)

81.55 = 2.71u + 36.0228

2.71u = 81.55 - 36.0228

2.71u = 45.5272

u = 45.5272/2.71

u = 16.8 m/s

The time it takes a projectile to return back to its original launch point assuming the projectile was launched

vertically with speed u = 16.8 m/s is;

t = 2u/g

t = (2 × 16.8)/9.81

t = 3.43 s

Thus total time it takes the second mass to reach the ground = 3.43 + 2.71 = 6.13 seconds