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In Figure (1), a 3.50 g bullet is fired horizontally at two blocks at rest on a

ID: 1260321 • Letter: I

Question

In Figure (1), a 3.50 g bullet is fired horizontally at two blocks at rest on a frictionless table. The bullet passes through block 1 (mass 1.18 kg) and embeds itself in block 2 (mass 1.88 kg). The blocks end up with speeds v1 = 0.700 m/s and v2 = 1.39 m/s (see Figure (2)). Neglecting the material removed from block 1 by the bullet, find the speed of the bullet as it (a) leaves and (b) enters block 1.

Thank you

In Figure (1), a 3.50 g bullet is fired horizontally at two blocks at rest on a frictionless table. The bullet passes through block 1 (mass 1.18 kg) and embeds itself in block 2 (mass 1.88 kg). The blocks end up with speeds v1 = 0.700 m/s and v2 = 1.39 m/s (see Figure (2)). Neglecting the material removed from block 1 by the bullet, find the speed of the bullet as it (a) leaves and (b) enters block 1. Thank you

Explanation / Answer

According to law of conservation of momentum

m_bullet v_bullet = m _block1 v_1 + ( m_bullet + m_block2)v_2

The initial speed of bullet is

v_bullet = (1.18 kg)(0.7 m/s) + ( 0.0035 kg +1.88)(1.39 m/s) / (0.0035 kg)

=984 m/s