An isolated particle of mass m moves in the x-y plane along the x-axis at y = 0. It explodes into fragments of masses m/4 and 3m/4. An instant later, the smaller fragment is at y = +15 cm. The larger fragment is at:
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Question

An isolated particle of mass m moves in the x-y plane along the x-axis at y = 0. It explodes into fragments of masses m/4 and 3m/4. An instant later, the smaller fragment is at y = +15 cm. The larger fragment is at:

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G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

With zero external horizontal force, the centre of mass has constant velocity and ΣmᵢΔxᵢ = 0 in the centre-of-mass relation. Applying this to the given motion gives A: y = -5 cm.