Answer:
15.29m/s
Explanation:
Using the law of conservation of momentum
m1u1+m2u2 = (m1+m2)v
m1 is the mass of the clown = 85kg
u1 is the velocity of the clown = 0m/s (fired out from rest)
m2 is the mass of the cannon = 480kg
u2 is the velocity of the cannon = 18m/s
Let v me the recoil speed of the cannon
Substitute into the formula
85(0)+480(18) = (85+480)v
0+8640 = 565v
v = 8640/565
v = 15.29m/s
Hence the recoil speed of the cannon is 15.29m/s