Calculating Bullet Speed from Impact with Lumber

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of conservation of linear momentum in two different scenarios. The first scenario involves a bullet striking a stationary piece of lumber, resulting in both objects moving together at a certain velocity. The second scenario involves two carts connected by a thread, where after the thread is burned, the carts move apart due to a compressed spring. The conservation of linear momentum states that in both cases, the total linear momentum remains the same before and after the collision.
  • #1
shann0nsHERE
6
0
A 35.0-g bullet strikes a 4.7-kg stationary piece of lumber and embeds itself in the wood. The piece of lumber and bullet fly off together at 8.0 m/s. What was the original speed of the bullet?
I don't know where to begin...
 
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  • #2
This one too pleeasee

A thread holds a 1.5-kg and a 4.50-kg cart together. After the thread is burned, a compressed spring pushes the carts apart, giving the 1.5 kg cart a speed of 27 cm/s to the left. What is the velocity of the 4.5-kg cart?



I would be so grateful if someone could help me..
 
  • #3
Just go through the conservation of linear momentum.
 
  • #4
Hi there. Is conservation of linear momentum something you have studied in class? :smile:

Also: I would start a new thread for each problem, else things get confusing/messy.
 
  • #5
Yes, I am in the ib program but i was absent for that lesson..
ha thanks for the heads up, i just started this
Andd thank you both for the help
 
  • #6
shann0nsHERE said:
Yes, I am in the ib program but i was absent for that lesson..
ha thanks for the heads up, i just started this
Andd thank you both for the help
Okay, well paraphrasing Conservation of momentum says that if no external forces act on a system (which is true in this case), then the total linear momentum is conserved.

That is, [itex]\sum mv_{initial}=\sum mv_{final}[/itex]

In this case,

[tex]M_{bullet}V_{bullet}+M_{block}V_{block}=M_{(block+bullet)}V'_{(block+bullet)}[/tex]

where I used the ' symbol to indicate velocity after the collision

And Yes, they are both conservation of momentum.
 
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FAQ: Calculating Bullet Speed from Impact with Lumber

What is the process for calculating bullet speed from impact with lumber?

The process for calculating bullet speed from impact with lumber involves measuring the depth of the bullet's penetration into the lumber, measuring the density of the lumber, and using a formula to calculate the bullet's speed based on these measurements. The formula is typically derived from equations of motion and energy conservation principles.

What factors can affect the accuracy of the calculated bullet speed?

There are several factors that can affect the accuracy of the calculated bullet speed, including the type and caliber of the bullet, the composition and density of the lumber, the angle and velocity of the impact, and any external forces acting on the bullet such as wind or gravity.

How does the type of lumber used impact the calculation of bullet speed?

The type of lumber used can greatly affect the calculation of bullet speed. Different types of wood have varying densities, which can greatly impact the depth of penetration of the bullet and therefore the calculated speed. Additionally, the grain and moisture content of the wood can also affect the accuracy of the calculation.

Can bullet speed be accurately calculated from impact with plywood or other composite materials?

Calculating bullet speed from impact with plywood or other composite materials can be more challenging, as these materials may have varying densities and layers that can affect the bullet's penetration. However, with careful measurement and consideration of these factors, it is still possible to accurately calculate the bullet speed.

What are some potential real-world applications for calculating bullet speed from impact with lumber?

Calculating bullet speed from impact with lumber can have practical applications in forensic investigations, hunting and ballistics research, and military or law enforcement investigations. It can also be used to determine the effectiveness of different types of ammunition and to test the durability of different types of lumber against bullet impacts.

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