Paper 1 · momentum
A missile is launched at an acute angle to the horizontal. Half-way through its trajectory, it explodes into several fragments due to entirely internal forces. Assuming free fall throughout, which statement is true?
AThe fragments fall vertically down to the ground.
BThe kinetic energy before and after the explosion is conserved.
CThe momentum before and after the explosion is conserved.
DThe path of each fragment is independent of that of the missile.
Explanation: In an explosion caused by internal forces, momentum is conserved. Kinetic energy is not conserved because chemical/internal energy is released. Thus C is correct.
ZIMSEC Physics Paper 1, November 2002, Q3
