Answer:
1/9
Explanation:
Let A denote the bigger piece and let B denote the smaller piece.
We are told that one with three times the mass of the other.
Therefore, we have;
M_a = 3M_b
Firecracker is placed in the block and it explodes and thus, momentum is conserved.
Thus;
V_ai = V_bi = 0
Where V_ai is initial velocity of piece A and V_bi is initial velocity of piece B.
Since initial momentum equals final momentum, we have;
P_i = P_f
Thus;
0 = (M_a × V_af) + (M_b × V_bf)
Since M_a = 3M_b, we have;
(3M_b × V_af) + (M_b × Vbf) = 0
Making V_af the subject, we have;
V_af = -⅓V_bf
The kinetic energy gained by each block during the explosion will later be lost due to the negative work done by friction. Thus;
W_f = -½M_b•(v_bf)²
Now, let's express the work is in terms of the force and the distance.
Thus;
W_f = F_f × Δx × cos 180°
Frictional force is also expressed as μmg
Thus;
W_f = -μM_b × g × Δx
Earlier, we saw that;
W_f = -½M_b•(v_bf)²
Thus;
-½M_b•(v_bf)²= -μM_b × g × Δx
Δx = (v_bf)²/2μg
Let the distance travelled by block A be Δx_a and that travelled by B be Δx_b
Thus;
Δx_a/Δx_b = ((v_ba)²/2μg)/((v_bf)²/2μg)
Δx_a/Δx_b = ((v_af)²/((v_bf)²)
Δx_a/Δx_b = (-⅓V_bf)²/(V_bf)²
Δx_a/Δx_b = 1/9