How Does Frictional Force Affect Bullet Penetration in Wood?

In summary, a rifle fired a 12.0g bullet with a horizontal speed of 350m/s, which penetrated 11.0cm into a block of wood. The frictional force of the wood on the bullet can be determined by solving for F in the equation F = (-735 J)/(11x10^(-2) meters) = (-6682 N).
  • #1
mugzieee
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Frictional Force, PLEASE HELP!

A rifle with a barrel length of 55.0cm fires a 12.0g bullet with a horizontal speed of 350m/s. The bullet strikes a block of wood and penetrates to a depth of 11.0cm. What frictional force (assumed to be constant) does the wood exert on the bullet?

heres what i do but its wrong:
F_k_=mu_k_*F_n_
 
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  • #2
That formula certainly won't work. It's for something moving over a rough surface.

Do this instead: assuming (as the problem says) that the friction force is a constant, F, so that it has acceleration a= F/m, the velocity, t seconds after the bullet hits the wood, is v(t)= v0- (F/m)t and the distance moved in t seconds is x(t)= v0t- (F/2m)t2.

We know that v0[/sub= 350 m/s and that the bullet penetrates 11 cm into the wood. Of course, the velocity when it has reached 11 cm is 0.

Solve v(t)= 350- (F/55)t to find the time, t, it takes the bullet to penetrate the wood (depending on F of course). Now put that value of t into 350t- (F/2(12))t2= 11.0 and solve for F.
 
  • #3
mugzieee said:
A rifle with a barrel length of 55.0cm fires a 12.0g bullet with a horizontal speed of 350m/s. The bullet strikes a block of wood and penetrates to a depth of 11.0cm. What frictional force (assumed to be constant) does the wood exert on the bullet?

heres what i do but its wrong:
F_k_=mu_k_*F_n_
Conservation of Energy can also be used:

{Delta Kinetic Energy} = {Frictional Force Work}

{Delta Kinetic Energy} = (1/2)*m*(v_f)^2 - (1/2)*m*(v_i)^2 =
= 0 - (1/2)*(12x10^(-3) kg)*(350 m/sec)^2
= (-735 Joules)

{Frictional Force Work} = {Friction Force}*(11x10^(-2) meters)

⇒ {Friction Force}*(11x10^(-2)) = (-735 J)
{Friction Force} = (-6682 N)

~~
 
Last edited:
  • #4
finding F is the hardest part for me. how do i solve for F?>
 

1. What is frictional force?

Frictional force is the force that resists the motion of an object as it moves across a surface. It is caused by the microscopic roughness of the two surfaces in contact, which creates resistance and slows down the movement.

2. What factors affect the magnitude of frictional force?

The magnitude of frictional force is affected by the weight of the object, the type of surface it is moving on, and the amount of force applied to the object. Other factors such as temperature, humidity, and the smoothness of the surfaces can also play a role.

3. How is frictional force different from other types of forces?

Unlike other types of forces, such as gravitational or electromagnetic forces, frictional force only acts when there is relative motion between two surfaces. It also always acts in the opposite direction of the movement, as opposed to forces like thrust or lift which can act in the same direction as the movement.

4. Can frictional force be beneficial?

Yes, frictional force can be beneficial in certain situations. For example, it allows us to walk without slipping on the ground, and it is essential for car tires to have enough friction to grip the road and prevent accidents. Without frictional force, it would be difficult to control the movement of objects.

5. How can we reduce frictional force?

There are several ways to reduce frictional force, such as using lubricants like oil or grease, using smoother surfaces, and reducing the weight of the object. In some cases, adding wheels or rollers can also reduce frictional force. However, completely eliminating frictional force is impossible as it is a natural force that occurs whenever two surfaces are in contact.

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