Solving for Mechanical Energy in a Stopping Bullet Problem

In summary, mechanical energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion or position. It is measured in joules and can be either kinetic or potential energy. Examples include a moving car, swinging pendulum, and stretched spring. Mechanical energy is used in everyday activities and can be converted into other forms of energy, such as electrical or heat energy, through mechanisms like generators and friction.
  • #1
suspenc3
402
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Mechanical Energy! Help!

a 30 g bullet, with a horizontal velocity of 500m/s, comes to a stop 12 cm within a solid wall.
(a)what is the change in it's mechanical energy?

(b)what is the magnitude of the average force from the wall stopping it?

* this is the first problem I've done like this so I am not sure what to do.

Vo(x) = 550m/s

M = 0.03Kg

Eq for change in mechanical Energy: E(mec) = K + U where..

K = -0.5MVo^2 ?
U = -W
 
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Pleaaaaaaaaase?
 
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Can Anyone Help Me Out Here?
 

FAQ: Solving for Mechanical Energy in a Stopping Bullet Problem

1. What is mechanical energy?

Mechanical energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion or position. It can be either kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion, or potential energy, which is the energy stored in an object's position or shape.

2. How is mechanical energy measured?

Mechanical energy is measured in joules (J), which is a unit of energy. The amount of mechanical energy an object has is related to its mass, speed, and position.

3. What are some examples of mechanical energy?

Some examples of mechanical energy include a moving car, a swinging pendulum, a bouncing ball, a spinning top, and a stretched spring. These objects all have either kinetic or potential energy, or a combination of both.

4. How is mechanical energy used in everyday life?

Mechanical energy is used in many everyday activities, such as riding a bike, cooking food using a stove, and using a pencil to write. Machines and tools, such as cars, elevators, and scissors, also rely on mechanical energy to function.

5. How can mechanical energy be converted into other forms of energy?

Mechanical energy can be converted into other forms of energy, such as electrical energy or heat energy. This can be achieved through various mechanisms, such as generators, which convert mechanical energy into electricity, and friction, which converts mechanical energy into heat energy.

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