Calculating Impulse and Work on a Bullet

In summary, a bullet with a mass of 0.010 kg and speed of 100 m/s comes to a stop after penetrating 0.10 m into a wooden block in 0.02 seconds. The block remains stationary during this process. To find the magnitude of the impulse delivered to the bullet by the block, use the equation Ft=Δ(mv), where F is force, t is time, and mv is the bullet's momentum. The unit measure for impulse is either Ns or kgms^-1.
  • #1
Spaniard
10
0

Homework Statement


A bullet of mass 0.010 kg and speed of 100 m/s is brought to rest in a wooden block after penetrating a distance of 0.10 m. This process takes 0.02 seconds. Theblock remains stationary during this process.

a. what is the magnitude of the impulse delivered to the bullet by the block during this time?

b. How much work was done ont he bullet during this process?


Homework Equations


thats what I am wondering


The Attempt at a Solution


i can't find the formula to try it, i am pretty much just looking for the formula and what each thing stand for etc. Thanks
 
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  • #2
Try using Ft=Δ(mv)
 
  • #3
sorry sounds dumb but what does F,t, delta, and mv stand for?
 
  • #4
no that's a perfectly decent question! if you have never come across this equation you can't be expected to know what it means!
F= force
t= time
delta= change in
m= mass
v= velocity
just a note, the product Ft is known as impulse =]
 
  • #5
ok so i have the change in velocity, and time, but the problem says nothing about the change of mass. and don't have the force so I am assuming there's a separate formula involving how much the bullet penetrated that will give me the force or change of mass but I am thinking force. Anyone know what formula i hsould use or where i go from here? thanks
 
  • #6
note that Ft=Δ(mv)
mv is just the bullet's momentum, for the momentum to change you don't necessarily have to change the mass
 
  • #7
whats the unit measure for impulse? Btw it all makes sense now. Thanks
 
  • #8
Ns or kgms^-1
what was the answer then?? just to check if i got it right as well =]
 

1. How do you calculate the impulse of a bullet?

The impulse of a bullet can be calculated by multiplying the bullet's mass by its velocity. This can be represented by the equation I = mv, where I is impulse, m is mass, and v is velocity.

2. What is the unit of measurement for impulse?

The unit of measurement for impulse is kilogram-meters per second (kg∙m/s) in the International System of Units (SI).

3. How is work related to the motion of a bullet?

Work is directly related to the motion of a bullet as it is the product of force and displacement. In the case of a bullet, the force is the propulsive force from the gun and the displacement is the distance the bullet travels.

4. Can the impulse and work on a bullet be negative?

Yes, the impulse and work on a bullet can be negative if the bullet is slowing down or moving in the opposite direction of the force applied. This means that the bullet is losing kinetic energy, which is represented by negative values in the equations for impulse and work.

5. How does air resistance affect the impulse and work on a bullet?

Air resistance can decrease the impulse and work on a bullet as it creates a force in the opposite direction of the bullet's motion. This means that the bullet will experience less acceleration and therefore less change in momentum, resulting in a smaller impulse and work calculation.

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