Energy and momentum conservation

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a soldier on skis firing a bullet horizontally and calculating the distance he will slide before stopping due to friction. The correct stopping distance is determined to be 2.9 cm, while an alternative calculation yields 11.47 cm, leading to confusion about the discrepancy. Momentum conservation is applied to find the soldier's initial horizontal speed after firing the bullet. The kinetic energy lost to friction is also analyzed, but the calculations appear to conflict, prompting questions about potential errors in the source material. The conversation highlights the importance of careful application of physics principles in problem-solving.
domagoj412
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One more problem to solve...

A soldier on skis fires a bullet from rifle horizontally. After what distance will soldier stop moving if coefficient of friction between surface of skis and snow is 0,01. Mass of bullet is 0,01 kg, initial speed of fired bullet is 900 m/s and mass of soldier, rifle and skis is 60 kg?

Correct solution is: s=2,9 cm

With momentum conservation I have calculated initial horizontal speed of soldier:

m1*v1=m2*v2
60*v1=0,01*900
v1=0,15 m/s

Kinetic energy is wasted on friction:
Ek=W
Ek=F*s
1/2*mv^2=m*g*u*s (u is friction coef.)

s=11,47 cm

which is incorrect. Why?
 
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Your solution looks OK to me.
 
Doc Al said:
Your solution looks OK to me.

But something has to be wrong :mad:
 
A typo, perhaps? What book are you using?
 
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