Will a Bullet Shot Straight Up Fall Back to Its Starting Point?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the physics of a bullet shot straight up from the Earth's surface, specifically questioning whether it will return to the same spot from which it was fired, considering various factors such as the Earth's motion and the bullet's initial velocity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of shooting a bullet vertically, questioning the effects of the Earth's rotation and the bullet's initial velocity. They consider scenarios involving moving reference frames and conservation of momentum.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants raising questions about the assumptions involved, such as the Earth's motion and the bullet's trajectory. Some guidance on conservation of momentum has been introduced, but no consensus has been reached regarding the bullet's final position.

Contextual Notes

Participants are operating under the assumption that no additional forces are acting on the bullet aside from gravity, and there is a focus on the implications of the Earth's rotation and motion in the analysis.

porkok
If we shoot bullet to the air (90Degree) it will fall down to same spot or not ? (Without anther force)
Thanks
 
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Well, where are you shooting from?

I assume that the bullet is not going more than 6km/s?
 
From the ground (yes not over 6km/s). Could you give me answer and explanation ?
Thanks
 
6km/s is Earth escape velocity. I think you'll find that the problem specifies that the bullet is being shot from the surface of the Earth.

If you shot the bullet straight up out of a moving car, would it come down and hit you? What if the car was turning? What if the someone stomped on the brakes?
 
Last edited:
Yes the bullet shot from the surface of the Earth and pistol is not moving. So it should fall down in the same spot ,right ?
 
We did not talk about another factor. (No other facetor in this situation)
 
Is the Earth stationary?
 
earth is still moving around itself
 
So, would the bullet move with the Earth after you shot it?
 
  • #10
Yes. Conservation of momentum.
 
  • #11
Could you explain about conservation of momentum ? Thanks
 
  • #12
Originally posted by HallsofIvy
Yes. Conservation of momentum.

Actually, since the Earth is spinning, the reference frame is accelerated, so the bullet would not be moving with the earth.
 

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