Bullet Drop vs. Bullet Shot: Which Reaches the Ground First?

  • Thread starter Thread starter jklamont
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Speed Velocity
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the physics of projectile motion and free fall, specifically comparing the time it takes for a bullet dropped from a height to reach the ground versus a bullet fired horizontally from the same height. Participants explore the implications of these scenarios under the assumption of negligible air resistance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants assert that both bullets would reach the ground simultaneously if the bullet is shot horizontally. Others introduce a more complex scenario involving two bullets, one dropped and one fired at ground level, questioning the conditions under which they would collide.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing differing opinions and exploring the implications of their assumptions. There is a focus on clarifying the independence of horizontal and vertical motion, and some guidance is provided regarding the role of air resistance in these scenarios.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the assumption that air resistance is negligible, which is crucial for the conclusions being drawn. The discussion also highlights the varying levels of understanding among those involved, particularly regarding the scientific principles at play.

jklamont
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
My question is not homework, but a simple physics question that caused discussion (and differing opinions from people with no scientific background) and needs a scientific answer:

If one person dropped a bullet from 5 feet and another person shot a bullet at a height of 5 feet, would they both reach the ground at the same time?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes, if the bullet is shot horizontally.
 
jklamont said:
My question is not homework, but a simple physics question that caused discussion (and differing opinions from people with no scientific background) and needs a scientific answer:

If one person dropped a bullet from 5 feet and another person shot a bullet at a height of 5 feet, would they both reach the ground at the same time?
What is even more intriguing is that if one person dropped a bullet B1 from any height and another bullet B2 was fired from a gun at ground level aimed at B1 at the exact moment B1 was dropped, the two bullets would collide no matter how fast B2 was fired.
 
That is all assuming, of course, that air resistance is negligible. It is based on the fact that horizontal and vertical motion are independent.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K