Another conservation of momentum problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a conservation of momentum problem involving a boat and a hunter firing bullets. The initial momentum is zero, and the momentum after firing must also equal zero, leading to the equation m1v1 = m2v2. The participant initially calculated the boat's velocity as -0.135 m/s but was corrected for sign errors and calculation mistakes. It was emphasized that the weight of the boat (1200 N) must be converted to mass for accurate calculations, and full calculations should be posted for clarity. The correct final velocity of the boat is determined to be -2.21 m/s, indicating it moves in the opposite direction to the bullets.
BrainMan
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Homework Statement


The combined weight of a small boat and a hunter is 1200 N. The boat is initially at rest on a lake as the hunter fires 75 bullets, each of mass 0.006 kg. If the muzzle velocity of the rifle is 600 m/s and frictional forces between boat and water are neglected, what speed will be acquired by the boat?


Homework Equations


m1v1 = m2v2

The Attempt at a Solution


The first thing I realized is that the total momentum before the bullets are fired is zero and so I realized the momentum after the bullets are fired is zero. So m1v1 = m2v2. Then I found the total momentum of the bullets by multiplying the momentum of one bullet by 75 the total number of bullets. Then I divided that number by 1200 to find the final velocity of the boat. I got .135 m/s and the answer is -2.21 m/s
 
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1st you made a mistake with the sign since the boat and the bullet will go in opposite directions. The formula m1v1=m2v2 does not take that into consideration

2nd you made some calculation mistake somewhere. Hard to tell since you didn't post your calculation. ALWAYS POST YOUR CALCULATION IN FULL. DON"T JUST DESCRIBE YOUR CALCULATION. POST IT.
 
dauto said:
1st you made a mistake with the sign since the boat and the bullet will go in opposite directions. The formula m1v1=m2v2 does not take that into consideration

2nd you made some calculation mistake somewhere. Hard to tell since you didn't post your calculation. ALWAYS POST YOUR CALCULATION IN FULL. DON"T JUST DESCRIBE YOUR CALCULATION. POST IT.

Here is my calculations I did
(75)(.006)(600) = -(1200)(v)
270 = -1200v
v = -.135
 
You are given the boat's and man's weight. How does weight relate to momentum?

It would also be better to explicitly state a simplifying assumption you have made.
 
BrainMan said:
Here is my calculations I did
(75)(.006)(600) = -(1200)(v)
270 = -1200v
v = -.135

What is 270/1200? it is not 0.135...And you have to work with masses. 1200 is the weight of the boat.



ehild
 
Last edited:
Ok thanks I see my mistakes. Thanks!
 

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