Explosion

Definition

An explosion is a rapid increase in volume and release of energy in an extreme manner, usually accompanied by high temperatures and the release of gases. In physics, it often involves the sudden separation of particles that results in significant changes in momentum.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Explosions are typically characterized by large, rapid changes in momentum and energy.
2. In an isolated system, the total momentum before and after an explosion is conserved.
3. Explosive events can be analyzed using principles of conservation of linear momentum.
4. The kinetic energy after an explosion is usually greater than before due to the conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy.
5. Explosion problems often require solving for velocities of fragments using momentum conservation equations.

Review Questions

• What principle is used to analyze explosions in physics?
• How does the total momentum change during an explosion in an isolated system?
• Why is kinetic energy typically greater after an explosion compared to before?

Related terms

Linear Momentum: $\text{Linear Momentum (p)}$ is defined as the product of an object's mass $(m)$ and its velocity $(v): \ p = mv$.

Conservation of Momentum: $\text{The law of conservation of momentum}$ states that within a closed system with no external forces, the total momentum remains constant.

Elastic Collision: $\text{An elastic collision}$ is one where both kinetic energy and momentum are conserved during the interaction.