What is the Mass of the Block in a Ballistic Pendulum Collision?

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In summary, a 12g bullet with a velocity of 1600m/s collides with a wooden block, causing it to swing back and rise 1.40m vertically. The mass of the block can be found by using the equation for bullet momentum, which is calculated to be 19.2kgm/s. In addition, the block also gains kinetic energy from the collision, which can be calculated using the equation for kinetic energy. However, the calculation for kinetic energy should use the final velocity of the bullet after it collides with the block, which is not given in the problem. Therefore, more information is needed to accurately calculate the kinetic energy gained by the block.
  • #1
johndoe14
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Homework Statement



A 12g bullet is fired at 1600m/s into a wooden block of a ballistic pendulum, causing it to swing back, raising up 1.40m vertically. Find mass of the block



Homework Equations



N/a

The Attempt at a Solution



bullet momentum= 12g*1600m/s=19.2kgm/s
 
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  • #2
johndoe14 said:

Homework Statement



A 12g bullet is fired at 1600m/s into a wooden block of a ballistic pendulum, causing it to swing back, raising up 1.40m vertically. Find mass of the block

Homework Equations



N/a

The Attempt at a Solution



bullet momentum= 12g*1600m/s=19.2kgm/s

Welcome to PF.

What's happened to the kinetic energy of the bullet? Think maybe it got translated into the block?
 
  • #3
am i correct by saying that the block has a kinetic energy of____ due to the bullet

ke= .5*.012kg*1600m/s^2
= 15360kgm/s^2
 
  • #4
johndoe14 said:
am i correct by saying that the block has a kinetic energy of____ due to the bullet

ke= .5*.012kg*1600m/s^2
= 15360kgm/s^2

Not quite. It's V2

If it absorbed that much KE and the block and bullet was raised by 1.4m then ...
 
  • #5
do we assume that when the bullet collides with the block the block has the same velocity as the bullet?
 

What is the purpose of the Collisions lab-bullet problem?

The purpose of the Collisions lab-bullet problem is to study the principles of momentum and energy conservation in collisions between objects of different masses. It allows scientists to experimentally verify the laws of physics and understand the behavior of objects during collisions.

What materials are needed for the Collisions lab-bullet problem?

The materials needed for the Collisions lab-bullet problem may include a bullet, a ballistic pendulum, a ruler, a protractor, a stopwatch, and a stable surface to conduct the experiment. Other materials such as safety goggles and a lab coat may also be necessary.

How is the momentum of a bullet calculated in the Collisions lab-bullet problem?

The momentum of a bullet can be calculated by multiplying its mass by its velocity. In the Collisions lab-bullet problem, the mass of the bullet can be measured using a balance, and the velocity can be calculated by dividing the distance traveled by the bullet by the time it took to travel that distance.

What is the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions in the Collisions lab-bullet problem?

In elastic collisions, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved, meaning the total momentum and energy of the system before and after the collision are equal. In inelastic collisions, only momentum is conserved, and some kinetic energy is lost to other forms of energy, such as heat or sound.

What are some sources of error in the Collisions lab-bullet problem?

Some sources of error in the Collisions lab-bullet problem may include human error in measuring and recording data, friction between the bullet and the ballistic pendulum, and air resistance. Other factors such as the precision of the measuring tools and environmental conditions can also contribute to errors in the experiment.

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