A cannon of mass `m_(1)` fires a shell of mass `m_(2)` with speed `v_(0)` relative to the barrel which is inclined at an angle `alpha` with horizontal . Find the recoil speed of cannon if it is placed on ice.

Explanation

Velocity of the shell w.r.t. the ground `= (v_(0) cos alpha - v)`
`v` : velocity of cannon w.r.t. the ground
Applying momentum conservation in the horizontal direction
`0 = m_(2) (v_(0) cos alpha - v) - m_(1) v`
`v = (m_(2) v_(0) cos alpha)/((m_(1) + m_(2))`