Bullet stuck into a ball and rotates it

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a ball of mass M and radius R that can rotate about its center, and a bullet of mass m that strikes the ball near its surface and becomes embedded in it. The discussion centers on determining the angular velocity of the system after the collision, utilizing principles of angular momentum and moment of inertia.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of conservation of angular momentum and the moment of inertia of the ball. There are questions regarding the correct moment of inertia to use and the implications of the ball's orientation during the collision.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered different expressions for angular velocity based on varying interpretations of the moment of inertia. There is an ongoing exploration of the problem's setup, particularly regarding the ball's position and motion after the collision.

Contextual Notes

There is some ambiguity about whether the ball is stationary or rolling after being struck by the bullet, which may affect the interpretation of the problem. Additionally, one participant noted a misunderstanding related to the context of the thread.

Karol
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Homework Statement


A ball of mass M and radius R can rotate round an axis through it's center. a bullet of mass m travels with speed v, hits the ball near the surface and gets stuck in it.
What's their angular velocity after the collision.

Homework Equations


Moment of inertia of a ball round it's axis: ##I=\frac{2}{5}MR^2##
Conservation of angular momentum: ##mvR+MVR=0##

The Attempt at a Solution


Conservation of angular momentum:
$$mvR=(M+m)\omega R^2\Rightarrow \omega=\frac{mv}{(m+M)R}$$
 

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Karol said:
Moment of inertia of a ball round it's axis: I=25MR2

Why didn't you use the ball's moment of inertia?
 
$$mvR=\left( \frac{2}{5}MR^2+mR^2 \right)\omega\Rightarrow \omega=\frac{mv}{R\left( \frac{2}{5}M+m \right)}$$
 
To understand it correctly: Does the statement imply that the ball is turning around an axis or is it lying on the ground and rolls away after getting hit by the bullet?
 
Sorry, ignore this post (wrong thread)
 
Last edited:
Karol said:
A ball of mass M and radius R can rotate round an axis through it's center. a bullet of mass m travels with speed v, hits the ball near the surface
I'm struggling to picture how it could have hit it anywhere except near the surface.
(It's ok, I understand what they were trying to say.)
 

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