Conservation of Momentum problem

In summary, the conversation discussed the problem of a bullet being fired into a block of wood and determining the height the block will rise after the bullet becomes embedded in it. The conversation mentioned using the equation m1v1+m2v2= m1v11+ m2v12 and converting the mass of the bullet to kilograms. The final velocity of the block was calculated to be -4.65m/s and the conversation concluded by discussing how to determine the height using kinetic energy and gravity.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



A gun is fired vertically into a 1.40kg block of wood at rest directly above it. If the bullet has a mass of 21.0g and a speed of 310m/s, how high will the block rise into the air after the bullet becomes imbedded into it?

Homework Equations


m1v1+m2v2= m1v11+ m2v12


The Attempt at a Solution


So I first converted 21.0 grams into .021kg because I know you use kg for this equation.
After substituing in a few things this is as far as I have gotten:

m1v1+m2v2= m1v11+ m2v12
(.021)(0)+(1.40)(0)=(.021)(310)+(1.40)(V)
V= -4.65m/s as the final velocity of the block

so from here I have a few questions first did I do this part correctly and from here how would I proceed in order to determine how high the block will go?
 
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  • #2
Not sure where your - sign is from, but for positive y up, 4.6 m/s looks about right.
(Your equations look like there are typos.)

Now you know your mv for the combined block/bullet and that Kinetic energy = ½mv² , and that energy will eventually be consumed by gravity with mgh which is the height you are looking for.
 
  • #3
Thank you ever so much! That makes so much sense!
 

1. What is conservation of momentum and why is it important?

Conservation of momentum is a fundamental law of physics that states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant over time, regardless of any internal changes within the system. It is important because it allows us to predict the motion of objects and understand how they interact with each other.

2. How is conservation of momentum related to Newton's laws of motion?

Conservation of momentum is closely related to Newton's laws of motion, specifically the law of inertia and the law of action and reaction. It is a consequence of these laws and helps to explain why objects move the way they do.

3. What are some real-life examples of conservation of momentum?

Some examples of conservation of momentum in everyday life include a rocket launching into space, a billiard ball colliding with another ball, and a car crashing into a wall. In all of these situations, the total momentum of the system remains constant.

4. How is conservation of momentum applied in practical situations?

Conservation of momentum is applied in many practical situations, such as designing car safety features, predicting the trajectory of projectiles, and understanding the motion of particles in a nuclear reactor. It is also used in sports, such as in the game of pool or billiards.

5. What are some common misconceptions about conservation of momentum?

One common misconception about conservation of momentum is that it only applies to objects moving in a straight line. In reality, it applies to both linear and angular momentum. Another misconception is that momentum is the same as energy, when in fact they are separate physical quantities with different units and conservation laws.

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