Calculating Momentum of a 50g Bullet: Need Help?

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the momentum of a 50g bullet with a kinetic energy of 250J using the formula P=mv. The mentor also mentions the formula for kinetic energy (Ek=mv^2/2) and suggests looking for it in lecture notes or online.
  • #1
Recce
6
0
(Mentor's Note: Thread moved from general physics after being replied to, hence the lack of a template)

Find the momentum of a 50g bullet whose kinetic energy is 250J.
I know the formula to find momentum is P= mv. Please give me hints
 
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  • #2
Can you find "v" from what you've been given?
 
  • #3
Bystander said:
Can you find "v" from what you've been given?
No, the question only gave me 50 g bullet and 250J
 
  • #4
You have been given a definition/formula for kinetic energy?
 
  • #5
Th
Bystander said:
You have been given a definition/formula for kinetic energy?
The formula the teacher gave are p=mv and FT= delta P
 
  • #6
Recce said:
p=mv
This is the definition of momentum, and you've indicated you understand it.
Recce said:
FT= delta P
"Force x time (which is impulse) equals change in momentum." The bullet before it is fired has zero velocity and zero momentum. The change in momentum then is just "mv" from the first definition. So, all you need to find now is force and time.

Are you absolutely certain you haven't been given any other definitions or formulas for kinetic energy, force, mass, work?
 
  • #7
Bystander said:
This is the definition of momentum, and you've indicated you understand it.

"Force x time (which is impulse) equals change in momentum." The bullet before it is fired has zero velocity and zero momentum. The change in momentum then is just "mv" from the first definition. So, all you need to find now is force and time.

Are you absolutely certain you haven't been given any other definitions or formulas for kinetic energy, force, mass, work?
No
 
  • #8
Kinetic energy is defined as Ek = mv2/2 . I cannot believe that you haven't seen this in class or in the teaching materials or textbooks before being asked the original question.
 
  • #9
Recce said:
No

The problem gives mass and kinetic energy.

Find the momentum of a 50g bullet whose kinetic energy is 250J.

You should know what kinetic energy is. Look after in your lecture notes. Or you can browse the Net. See, for example: http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/energy/u5l1c.cfm
 
  • #10
(Attached image removed by moderator, provided the answer to the OPs homework question.)

-----------------------

Örsan Yüksek
 
  • #11
Correct!
 

1. How do you calculate the momentum of a 50g bullet?

The momentum of a 50g bullet can be calculated by multiplying its mass (in kilograms) by its velocity (in meters per second).

2. What is the formula for calculating momentum?

The formula for calculating momentum is: p = m x v, where p is momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity.

3. What unit is used to measure momentum?

Momentum is typically measured in kilogram-meters per second (kg·m/s) in the SI system, or in gram-centimeters per second (g·cm/s) in the CGS system.

4. Can you use any unit of mass and velocity to calculate momentum?

Yes, as long as the units are consistent, any unit of mass (such as grams, kilograms, or pounds) and velocity (such as meters per second, kilometers per hour, or feet per second) can be used to calculate momentum.

5. Why is calculating momentum important in physics?

Calculating momentum is important in physics because it is a fundamental quantity that describes an object's motion. It is also a key component in understanding concepts such as conservation of momentum and impulse.

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