Inelastic Collision with Friction

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves an inelastic collision where a bullet is fired into a block, and the block subsequently moves across a surface with friction until it stops. The subject area includes concepts of momentum, kinematics, and friction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of momentum conservation and kinematic equations to determine the initial speed of the bullet. There are attempts to clarify the relationship between the bullet and block's motion and the effects of friction.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the equations needed to analyze the motion, while others express confusion about the application of these concepts to solve for the initial velocity of the bullet. There is an acknowledgment of the need to differentiate between the speeds of the bullet and the bullet-block system.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through the complexities of applying physics principles to a specific scenario, with some noting the importance of correctly interpreting the problem setup and the role of friction in the motion of the block.

Gallium
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I forget how to solve one dimensional motion problems with friction, which is holding me up in this problem:

a 5.00 g bullet is fired horizontally into a 1.2 kg wooden block resting on a horizontal surface. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and surface is .2. The bullet remains embedded in the block and the block moves 0.23 m before stopping. What is the initial speed of the bullet?



bullet------->block----.230 M-[ ]

looking at it as a momentum problem:

M(bullet)*V(bullet) = M(Bullet+Block)*V(bullet+block)

you need to solve for v(bullet+block) which can be determined by the following problem:

A block of mass 1.25 kg on a surface with kinetic friction of .2 is acted on upon a force and move .230 M before coming to rest on a horizontal surface. Find the initial speed of the bullet.


m = 1.25
v_0 = x
v_x = 0
mu_k = .2
 
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Well, in the second phase, you have constant deceleration equal to 0.2g
 
I understand that.

What I don't understand is the logic to find the initial velocity.

I know what this answer is, but I need to apply the exact same logic to a separate problem. So what I am really asking for is someone to solve this problem and show the steps.

Gallium
 
Well, you have:
[tex]v_{f}^{2}-v_{0}^{2}=2*(-0.2g)d[/tex]
Right?
([tex]v_{f}=0[/tex], d is 0.230)
This enables you to solve for [tex]v_{0}[/tex]
 
that doesn't yield the correct answer.
 
Because that's the speed for the bullet+box system, not for the bullet, now use conservation of momentum to find the initial speed of the bullet.
 
.05 * V_1 = .9212*1.25

V_1 = 23.03 m/s

V_1 actually = 229 m/s
 
1 Kg is 1000 grams not 100 grams.

5grams is 0.005 Kg.
 
i see, thank you. I found the correct logic.
 

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