Bullet fired into block attached to spring

In summary, the question asks for the speed of a bullet that has been fired into a wooden block attached to a spring. The spring is compressed 53.1 cm and has a spring constant of 100N/m. Using the conservation of momentum and energy, the speed of the bullet can be calculated to be approximately 435.9 m/s.
  • #1
tsdemers
3
0
A 11-g bullet traveling at 208 m/s is fired into a 0.422 kg wooden block anchored to a 100N/m spring. If the speed of the bullet is not known but it is observed that the spring is compressed 53.1 cm, what was the speed of the bullet to the nearest m/s?

Can someone help me out on where to get started? It's confusing how the question tells you the speed of the bullet but then says the speed isn't known.
 
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  • #2
I would start with the fact that you know the potential energy of the compressed spring, and since no other information is given, you can assume that all the kinetic energy of the bullet and block was used in compressing the spring. Can you get started from here ?
 
  • #3
you have to use BOTH conservation of momentum and energy

along came a bullet of some momentum. I'm sure the bullet embeds itself into the block. SO after the bullet struck the block, they both have some common velocity. ow for the energy part.
The velocity has some associated kinetic energy, which was all converted into the spring's energy. Form the relations based on this
 
  • #4
Just feeling like solving it, the answer is 435.9m/s. Justdo what the guyes befoure me told you to do. All you need is:
[tex] PE_{spring} = \frac{1}{2}kx^2 [/tex]
[tex] KE_{system} = \frac{1}{2} (m_{bullet} + m_{block})v_{system}^2 [/tex]
Very simple.

Regards,

Nenad
 

What is the purpose of firing a bullet into a block attached to a spring?

The purpose of this experiment is to study the effects of kinetic energy on a system consisting of a bullet, block, and spring. By measuring the displacement of the block after the bullet is fired, we can calculate the amount of energy transferred and better understand the principles of conservation of energy.

How is the displacement of the block measured in this experiment?

The displacement of the block is typically measured using a ruler or a displacement sensor. The block will move backwards when the bullet is fired, and the distance it moves can be recorded and used to calculate the amount of energy transferred.

What factors can affect the results of this experiment?

Several factors can affect the results of this experiment, including the mass and velocity of the bullet, the stiffness of the spring, and any external forces acting on the system. It is important to control these variables to ensure accurate and repeatable results.

How can the results of this experiment be applied in real-world situations?

The principles observed in this experiment can be applied in various fields, such as ballistics and engineering. Understanding the transfer of energy and the behavior of objects in motion can help in designing safety mechanisms and optimizing energy usage in various systems.

Are there any safety precautions that should be taken when conducting this experiment?

Yes, it is important to follow proper safety protocols when conducting this experiment. This may include wearing protective gear, working in a controlled environment, and using appropriate equipment. It is also important to have a trained professional supervise the experiment.

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