AP Physics C sample question that I think is wrong (dart hitting a box)

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aspodkfpo
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It is said that students doing the experiment came up with that equation. I wouldn't assume that it is correct: it could be part of the answer to argue why it should be wrong.
 
DrClaude said:
It is said that students doing the experiment came up with that equation. I wouldn't assume that it is correct: it could be part of the answer to argue why it should be wrong.

What would the correct equation be? without an extra m/(m+M)?
 
aspodkfpo said:
What would the correct equation be? without an extra m/(m+M)?
You are not expected to determine whether the formula is right or wrong. You are only asked whether the answer the formula gives to 1a is the same as your answer, and how you determined that.
 
haruspex said:
You are not expected to determine whether the formula is right or wrong. You are only asked whether the answer the formula gives to 1a is the same as your answer, and how you determined that.
DrClaude said:
It is said that students doing the experiment came up with that equation. I wouldn't assume that it is correct: it could be part of the answer to argue why it should be wrong.

I know what the question is asking for, I'm just curious about whether that formula is right/can be calculated.
 
aspodkfpo said:
I know what the question is asking for, I'm just curious about whether that formula is right/can be calculated.
It is correct.
What is the velocity of the dart when it reaches the block?
What is the combined velocity when the dart is embedded in the block?
What is the KE of that?
 
Last edited:
haruspex said:
It is correct.
What is the velocity of the dart when it reaches the block?
What is the combined velocity when the dart is embedded in the block?
What is the KE of that?

FL = 1/2 mv^2

FL = D x (friction coefficient) x (M+m)g
D= FL/((friction coefficient) x (M+m) g)

Where am I wrong?
 
aspodkfpo said:
FL = 1/2 mv^2

FL = D x (friction coefficient) x (M+m)g
D= FL/((friction coefficient) x (M+m) g)

Where am I wrong?
You are not taking into account the collision.
It's a bit tricky because you don't know how long it takes for the dart to become stationary wrt the box, so assume that happens very quickly. I.e. treat it as three phases: acceleration of dart, dart and box coalesce, dart and box slide together.
 
haruspex said:
You are not taking into account the collision.
It's a bit tricky because you don't know how long it takes for the dart to become stationary wrt the box, so assume that happens very quickly. I.e. treat it as three phases: acceleration of dart, dart and box coalesce, dart and box slide together.

FL = 1/2 mu^2
= 1/2 (m+M) v^2
= D (friction coeff) x (m+M) g

I don't understand how to calculate the dart and box coalescing?
 
haruspex said:
How does one calculate any coalescence problem? Momentum!

Oh right, this is inelastic so kinetic energy isn't conserved, but momentum is always conserved. Thus I can't determine v2 with energy formulas. Make an expression relating v1 to v2 through momentum.