Average Force Formula - Solving for Force

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the average force exerted on a bullet that is stopped in a ballistic test. The subject area includes concepts from mechanics, specifically relating to impulse and momentum.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between impulse and momentum, with some providing the formula for average force as the change in momentum divided by the change in time. There are questions about the calculations and whether the derived values align with the expected result.

Discussion Status

Participants have engaged in a back-and-forth regarding the calculations and the interpretation of the results. Some have confirmed the calculations align with the expected answer, while others have expressed gratitude for the assistance provided.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of a specific answer provided by a teacher, which may influence the participants' interpretations and calculations. The original poster appears to be seeking clarification on the formula and the calculations involved.

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

  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
9K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
29K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K