How Much Ice Melts When Shot with a Lead Bullet?

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of different formulas to calculate the amount of ice that melts when a lead bullet traveling at 240 m/s at 30 °C embeds into the ice. One method involves calculating the final temperature of the bullet and then using it to calculate the amount of ice that melts, while the other method involves subtracting two equations to get the same result. The discrepancy in the calculated results is attributed to a possible numerical error.
  • #1
Bennigan88
38
0
I am trying to find the amount of ice that melts when a lead bullet traveling at 240 m/s at 30 °C. This textbook claims I should use the formula
[tex] \dfrac{1}{2} m v^2 + m_{bullet} c_{bullet} \left|\Delta \right| T = L_f \Delta m[/tex]

What I don't understand is why I shouldn't first calculate how hot the bullet gets after embedding into the ice using
[tex] \dfrac{1}{2} m v^2 = mc \left( T_f-30^{\circ}C \right)[/tex]

Then calculate the amount of ice that melts using:
[tex] L \Delta m = -m_{bullet} c_{bullet} \left( T_f - T_i \right) [/tex]
Where Tf is 0°C and Ti is the Tf after the embedding in the ice.

The data is that the mass of the bullet is 3.00g, so (1/2)mv^2 = mc(Tf-Ti) gives a Tf of 481 deg Celsius, which would cause a change in mass (melting of the ice into water) of .56 g but this is incorrect. Can anyone explain why this method is wrong?
 
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  • #2
Changing the variable names to be consistent, you have:
[tex] \dfrac{1}{2} m_b v^2 = m_bc_b \left( T_h-T_{30}\right)[/tex]
[tex] L \Delta m = -m_b c_b \left( T_f - T_h \right)[/tex]
Subtracting one from the other gives
[tex] \dfrac{1}{2} m_b v^2 - L \Delta m = m_bc_b \left( T_f-T_{30}\right)[/tex]
Rearranging
[tex] \dfrac{1}{2} m_b v^2 - m_bc_b \left( T_f-T_{30}\right) = L \Delta m[/tex]
For the bullet, [tex]\Delta T = T_f-T_{30} < 0[/tex], so [tex]- m_bc_b \left( T_f-T_{30}\right) = - m_bc_b \Delta T = +m_bc_b |\Delta T|[/tex]
That gives the equation in the book, so you ought to get the same result either way. If you did not then you must have made a numerical error.
 

Related to How Much Ice Melts When Shot with a Lead Bullet?

1. How does the type of ice affect the amount melted when shot with a lead bullet?

The type of ice can affect how much is melted when shot with a lead bullet. Ice that is more dense, such as glacier ice, may take longer to melt compared to less dense ice, like snow. However, the amount of ice melted will also depend on factors such as the temperature of the ice and the velocity of the bullet.

2. Does the size of the lead bullet impact the amount of ice that melts?

Yes, the size of the lead bullet can impact the amount of ice that melts. A larger bullet will have more mass, resulting in more energy being transferred to the ice upon impact. This can lead to a larger area of melted ice compared to a smaller bullet.

3. What role does the velocity of the bullet play in melting ice?

The velocity of the bullet is a key factor in how much ice is melted upon impact. A higher velocity will result in more energy being transferred to the ice, causing a larger area of melting. This is why bullets fired at higher speeds can cause more damage to ice than those fired at lower speeds.

4. Can factors such as humidity and air temperature affect the amount of ice melted when shot with a lead bullet?

Yes, humidity and air temperature can play a role in how much ice is melted when shot with a lead bullet. Higher humidity levels can cause the ice to be more resistant to melting, while colder air temperatures can result in a slower rate of melting. These factors can also impact the trajectory and velocity of the bullet, which can affect the area of melted ice.

5. Is there a way to measure the amount of ice melted when shot with a lead bullet?

Yes, there are methods for measuring the amount of ice melted when shot with a lead bullet. One way is to measure the diameter of the area of melted ice and calculate the volume using the formula for a cone. Another method is to weigh the ice before and after being shot and calculate the difference in mass. However, the accuracy of these measurements may vary depending on the conditions and variables involved.

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