Average Force Formula - Solving for Force

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the average force that stops a bullet, the impulse-momentum theorem is applied, where impulse equals the change in momentum. In the given scenario, a 6.0 g bullet traveling at 350 m/s is stopped in 1.8 ms, resulting in a change in momentum of 2100 kg·m/s. Dividing this by the time of impact gives an average force of approximately 1166.67 N, which rounds to -1.2 x 10^3 N. The calculations confirm that the derived force aligns with the teacher's provided answer. This demonstrates the application of the formula for average force effectively.
wyclefchick
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
[SOLVED] Formula for average force?

In a ballistics test at the police department, Officer Rios fires a 6.0 g bullet at 350 m/s into a container that stops it in 1.8 ms. What is the average force that stops the bullet?

can anyone help me to do this? or just give me the formula? The teacher gave us the right answer and it's -1.2 x 10^3N
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
The average force is the change in momentum divided by the change in time.
 
This is just an impulse-momentum theorem problem. Impulse = Change in momentum. Impulse is F*delta t (t=time of impact) and change in momentum is just final momentum - initial momentum. Good luck
 
delta p= J
and J= F(delta t)

so

delta p=6.0g(350m/s)
delta p=2100
2100/1.8=1166.6666667

is that the same thing as 1.2x10^3?
 
wyclefchick said:
delta p= J
and J= F(delta t)

so

delta p=6.0g(350m/s)
delta p=2100
2100/1.8=1166.6666667

is that the same thing as 1.2x10^3?

It would be rounded to 1.2x10^3, yes.
 
thank you so much guys!
 
wyclefchick said:
thank you so much guys!

You're welcome (I'll speak on behalf of the people that actually helped you! :smile:)
 

Similar threads

Back
Top