Angular momentum: bullet through block with rod and pivot

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a bullet colliding with a block attached to a pivoted rod, focusing on angular momentum and kinetic energy conversion. Participants are attempting to calculate the angular momentum of the bullet-block system and the fraction of kinetic energy converted into internal energy during the collision. Initial attempts at solving the problem, including the use of equations for angular momentum and kinetic energy, were met with confusion and incorrect results. Clarifications were provided regarding the correct variables and the importance of properly squaring terms in the equations. The conversation highlights the challenges faced in solving complex physics problems and the importance of attention to detail in calculations.
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A wooden block of mass M resting on a frictionless, horizontal surface is attached to a rigid rod of length script i and of negligible mass. The rod is pivoted at the other end. A bullet of mass m traveling parallel to the horizontal surface and perpendicular to the rod with speed v hits the block and becomes embedded in it.

(a) What is the angular momentum of the bullet–block system about a vertical axis through the pivot? (Use any variable or symbol stated above as necessary.)
My work: L=mvr sin (theta)

r=l and sin (theta) = sin 90 = 1

so L=mvl However, this answer is wrong.

I also tried L=(M+m)vl but this was incorrect also

(b) What fraction of the original kinetic energy of the bullet is converted into internal energy in the system during the collision? (Use any variable or symbol stated above as necessary.)
ΔK/Ki = ?

My work: delta K/Ki = (Kf-Ki)/Ki
K= (1/2)mv^2
Li=Lf
L=mvrsin(theta)

Li= mv
Lf=(m+M)Vf l
mv=(m+M)Vfl

Vf= mv/l(m+M)

(Kf-Ki)/Ki = [(1/2)(M+m)Vf^2 - mV^2]/mV^2
(Kf-Ki)/Ki = [(1/2)(M+m)(mv/(m+M))^2 - mV^2]/mV^2

This is also wrong.
(In bold are general equtions.)
 
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hi blackheart! welcome to pf! :smile:

(try using the X2 and X2 icons just above the Reply box :wink:)
blackheart said:
(a) What is the angular momentum of the bullet–block system about a vertical axis through the pivot? (Use any variable or symbol stated above as necessary.)
My work: L=mvr sin (theta)

r=l and sin (theta) = sin 90 = 1

so L=mvl However, this answer is wrong.

looks right to me. :confused:
(b) What fraction of the original kinetic energy of the bullet is converted into internal energy in the system during the collision? (Use any variable or symbol stated above as necessary.)
ΔK/Ki = ?

your V = mv/(M+m) is correct, but when you squared V, you forgot to square m or (M+m) :redface:
 
So I know it's an old post, but I just had the same problem. While entering it into webassign, I didn't realize that they gave the value of length l as "script l". If you go into the symbols section of the toolbar that pops up when you go to answer, you should find the "script l" which looks like a cursive l and you enter it like you have it.
 
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legnip said:
So I know it's an old post, but I just had the same problem. While entering it into webassign, I didn't realize that they gave the value of length l as "script l". If you go into the symbols section of the toolbar that pops up when you go to answer, you should find the "script l" which looks like a cursive l and you enter it like you have it.

Thanks a bunch man!
 
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