Calculating Bullet Velocity: Impact on Wooden Block with Given Parameters

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the velocity of a bullet that impacts a wooden block, causing it to swing to a height of 10 cm. The bullet has a mass of 15 g, and the block has a mass of 3 kg. The context is rooted in mechanics, specifically focusing on energy conservation and momentum principles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using energy principles to determine the initial velocity of the block and conservation of momentum to find the bullet's velocity. Questions arise regarding the calculations and the values used for gravitational acceleration.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the approach to take, suggesting the use of energy and momentum conservation. There is an ongoing exploration of the calculations, with participants questioning the correctness of the results obtained and the assumptions made.

Contextual Notes

Participants are discussing the specific value of gravitational acceleration to use in their calculations, indicating a potential area of confusion. There is also a mention of unit conversion from centimeters to meters, which may affect the results.

kubombelar
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Homework Statement

Hey guys here is my problem:
A bullet is fired horizontally into a wood block attached to a string,the bullet sticks in the block.Calculate the velocity of the bullet if the impact causes the block to swing 10cm above its initial level. Bullet=15g, Block=3kg,Height=10cm.

. Relevant equations]
Square root of 2gh (were g is acceleration due to gravity,h is height. j
 
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Hi kubombelar! Welcome to PF! :smile:

Start by using energy to find the initial velocity of the block.

Then use conservation of momentum. :wink:
 
Hey thanks. using the formula i stated,i found 14.1ms and 1.4ms if i convert cm to m. Am i correct?
 
Hi kubombelar! :smile:

(what figure are you using for g?)
kubombelar said:
… i found 14.1ms and 1.4ms if i convert cm to m.

That's a weird way of putting it. :confused:

They can't both be correct, can they?

So which is it? :smile:
(and what do you then get for the velocity of the bullet?)
 

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