Calculating Muzzle Velocity of a Spring-Powered Civil War Cannon

In summary, a spring-powered cannon fires a 1.0kg plastic ball. The cannon's muzzle velocity is 16.5m/s.
  • #1
nitrostar
6
0
As a hobby, you like to participate in reenactments of Civil War battles. Civil War cannons were muzzle loeaded, meaning that the gunpowder and the cannonball were inserted into the output end of the muzzle, then tamped into place with a long plunger. To recreate the authenticity of muzzle-loaded cannons, but without the danger of real cannons, Civil War buffs have invented a spring-powered cannon that fires a 1.0kg plastic ball. A spring, with constant 3000N/m, is mounted at the back of the barrel. You place a ball in the barrel, then use a long plunger to press the ball against the spring and lock the spring into place, ready for firing. In order for the latch to catch, the ball has to be moving at a speed of at least 2.0m/s when the spring has been compressed 30cm. The coefficient of friction of the ball in the barrel is 0.30. The plunger doens't touch the sides of the barrel.

a) if you push the plunger with a constant force, what is the minimum force that you must use to compress and latch the spring? You can assume that no effort was required to push the ball down the barrel to where it first contacts the spring.

b) what is the cannon's muzzle velocity if the ball travels a total distance of 1.5m to the end of the barrel?
 
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  • #2
For a did this this
Fy=0=Fn-mg
Ffr=(mu)mg=2.94N
delta(K)=Wc+Wdiss+Wext
2J=-135J-0.882J+Wext
Wext=137.87J
W=Fd
F=459N
 
  • #3
for b I'm a little bit confused I believe that:
delta(K)=Delta(U)+Wdiss
so velocity as soon as it leaves the spring is
vf=16.5m/s
 
  • #4
I believe you need the angle of elevation of the cannon.
 
  • #5
hmm... i think you just assume it is parallel to the ground
 
  • #6
What is U and K in your equation?
 

Related to Calculating Muzzle Velocity of a Spring-Powered Civil War Cannon

1. What were the main weapons used in the Civil War and how did their physics affect the outcome of battles?

The main weapons used in the Civil War were rifles, muskets, cannons, and bayonets. The physics of these weapons played a crucial role in determining the outcome of battles. Rifles and muskets, which were the most common weapons, had rifled barrels that improved accuracy and range. This allowed soldiers to engage in long-distance combat, making it more difficult for the opposing side to advance. Cannons, on the other hand, were used for artillery fire and had a curved trajectory, making them effective for attacking large groups of soldiers. Bayonets were used for close combat and required physical strength and skill to use effectively.

2. How did the use of railroads impact the Civil War from a physics perspective?

The use of railroads had a significant impact on the Civil War from a physics perspective. Railroads allowed for the quick transportation of troops, supplies, and weapons to various locations. This gave the Union an advantage over the Confederacy, as they had a more extensive network of railroads. Additionally, railroads were used to transport heavy artillery and other equipment, which would have been difficult to move over long distances without them. The physics of steam engines also played a role in the development of locomotives and their ability to pull heavy loads.

3. How did the terrain and weather conditions affect the physics of battles during the Civil War?

The terrain and weather conditions had a significant impact on the physics of battles during the Civil War. The hilly and wooded terrain of the South made it challenging for soldiers to maneuver and see their enemy, while the flat and open terrain of the North allowed for better visibility and movement. Weather conditions such as rain and snow could also affect the trajectory and accuracy of weapons, making it more difficult for soldiers to aim and hit their targets. Additionally, extreme temperatures could affect the performance of weapons and equipment, as well as the physical abilities of soldiers.

4. How did medical advancements during the Civil War relate to physics?

Medical advancements during the Civil War were closely related to physics. The use of anesthesia, such as chloroform, was based on the understanding of gases and their effects on the human body. The development of new surgical techniques, such as amputations, also required knowledge of anatomy and physics to minimize damage to the body. Additionally, the use of X-rays to locate bullets and fragments in the body was a significant advancement in the field of physics and medicine.

5. How did communication methods during the Civil War rely on physics?

Communication methods during the Civil War relied heavily on physics. The use of telegraphs, which transmitted electrical signals through wires, allowed for quick and reliable communication between commanders on the battlefield. The development of signal flags and torches also utilized the physics of light and its ability to travel over long distances. Without a basic understanding of physics, these communication methods would not have been possible.

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