In Figure (1), a 3.50 g bullet is fired horizontally at two blocks at rest on a
ID: 1260323 • 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 1.24 kg) and embeds itself in block 2 (mass 1.82 kg). The blocks end up with speeds v1 = 0.540 m/s and v2 = 1.50 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.
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 1.24 kg) and embeds itself in block 2 (mass 1.82 kg). The blocks end up with speeds v1 = 0.540 m/s and v2 = 1.50 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.Explanation / Answer
Let
v = the velocity of the bullet as it leaves block 1.
Thus,
mB v = (m2 + mB)(1.50 m/s)
Thus,
v = 781.5 m/s [ANSWER, PART A]
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Let V = the velocity as it enters block 1. Thus,
mB V = mB v + m1 v1
Using the v we got earlier,
V = 972.8 m/s [ANSWER, PART B]