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

ID: 1289213 • 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 1.23 kg) and embeds itself in block 2 (mass 1.71 kg). The blocks end up with speeds v1 = 0.600 m/s and v2 = 1.45 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 1.23 kg) and embeds itself in block 2 (mass 1.71 kg). The blocks end up with speeds v1 = 0.600 m/s and v2 = 1.45 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

for bullet + block 2

m*u2 = (m+m2)*v2 =


u2 = (m+m2)*v2/m = ((0.0035+1.71)*1.45)/(0.0035) = 709.87 m/s


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while entering

m*u1 = m1*v1 +m*u2

0.0035*u1 = (1.23*0.6)+(0.0035*709.87)


u1 = 920.72 m/s