Bullet stuck into a ball and rotates it

In summary, a ball of mass M and radius R can rotate around an axis through its center. When a bullet of mass m traveling at speed v hits the ball near the surface and gets stuck in it, the resulting angular velocity can be calculated using the equations for conservation of angular momentum and the moment of inertia of a ball around its axis. The final calculated angular velocity depends on the masses and speeds of the ball and bullet.
  • #1
Karol
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Homework Statement


A ball of mass M and radius R can rotate round an axis through it's center. a bullet of mass m travels with speed v, hits the ball near the surface and gets stuck in it.
What's their angular velocity after the collision.

Homework Equations


Moment of inertia of a ball round it's axis: ##I=\frac{2}{5}MR^2##
Conservation of angular momentum: ##mvR+MVR=0##

The Attempt at a Solution


Conservation of angular momentum:
$$mvR=(M+m)\omega R^2\Rightarrow \omega=\frac{mv}{(m+M)R}$$
 

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  • #2
Karol said:
Moment of inertia of a ball round it's axis: I=25MR2

Why didn't you use the ball's moment of inertia?
 
  • #3
$$mvR=\left( \frac{2}{5}MR^2+mR^2 \right)\omega\Rightarrow \omega=\frac{mv}{R\left( \frac{2}{5}M+m \right)}$$
 
  • #4
To understand it correctly: Does the statement imply that the ball is turning around an axis or is it lying on the ground and rolls away after getting hit by the bullet?
 
  • #5
Sorry, ignore this post (wrong thread)
 
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  • #6
Karol said:
A ball of mass M and radius R can rotate round an axis through it's center. a bullet of mass m travels with speed v, hits the ball near the surface
I'm struggling to picture how it could have hit it anywhere except near the surface.
(It's ok, I understand what they were trying to say.)
 

FAQ: Bullet stuck into a ball and rotates it

1. How does a bullet stuck in a ball cause it to rotate?

When a bullet enters a ball, it creates a pivot point, or a point of rotation, on one side of the ball. As the bullet continues to move through the ball and exits on the other side, it creates a counteracting force that causes the ball to rotate around the pivot point.

2. What factors affect the rate of rotation caused by a bullet in a ball?

The rate of rotation depends on several factors, including the speed and direction of the bullet, the mass and density of the ball, and the distance between the entry and exit points of the bullet. These factors can influence how much force is applied to the ball and how long the rotation will last.

3. Can a bullet get stuck in a ball and not cause it to rotate?

Yes, it is possible for a bullet to get stuck in a ball without causing it to rotate. This may happen if the bullet enters and exits the ball at a very small angle, or if the ball has a very low density and is not able to generate enough resistance to the bullet's force.

4. What happens to the ball after the bullet exits?

After the bullet exits the ball, the ball will continue to rotate until the force of gravity or friction stops it. The direction and speed of the rotation will depend on the factors mentioned above, as well as any additional forces acting on the ball.

5. Can a bullet stuck in a ball cause it to change direction?

Yes, a bullet stuck in a ball can cause it to change direction. This is because the bullet creates a pivot point on one side of the ball, and as it exits, it creates a counteracting force that can cause the ball to change its trajectory or path of motion.

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