Hammer vs Bullet: Joe's Debate on Energy Delivery

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the comparison of energy delivery between a hammer and a bullet when striking an object. Participants explore the kinetic energy of a hammer blow versus the energy of a bullet, considering both theoretical calculations and experimental approaches. The scope includes conceptual reasoning, technical calculations, and practical experimentation.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • Joe asserts that he delivers more energy with a hammer blow than with a bullet, citing his weight and skill as factors.
  • One participant suggests calculating the kinetic energy of the hammer using the formula E = 1/2 m v^2, emphasizing the need to estimate the hammer's velocity.
  • Another participant points out that momentum may be more relevant than energy when considering the impact on a target.
  • A suggestion is made for an experimental approach to measure the energy delivered by the hammer by driving nails into wood and comparing the work done.
  • A question is raised about the effectiveness of a hammer compared to a nail gun, introducing another layer of comparison in energy delivery.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether energy or momentum is the more critical factor in the comparison. There is no consensus on the superiority of either the hammer or the bullet in terms of energy delivery.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of data for hammer energy compared to bullets, and there are assumptions regarding the hammer's velocity and the conditions of the experiments proposed.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring concepts of kinetic energy, momentum, and practical applications in carpentry or ballistics.

ihammer
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Hello,
First post guys, but I have a ongoing debate in need of a answer

OK, I believe I deliver much more energy with a blow from my hammer then if I fired a bullet at the same object. especially since I am a 240lbs. muscle bound highly skilled carpenter using a 22oz. framing hammer.
I can find data for the bullets. I can find no data for the hammer. This is what brings me here.

45 long colt - muzzle velocity 761 FPS - Muzzle energy 322 FT.LB

Could someone please show me how to address this problem

Thank you,
Joe
 
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Treating the hammer as a simple projectile (ignoring the fact that you are holding it), find its kinetic energy. You have its mass, now just estimate how fast you can get it moving. The formula for kinetic energy is:

E = 1/2 m v^2
 
Welcome to PF!

ihammer said:
OK, I believe I deliver much more energy with a blow from my hammer then if I fired a bullet at the same object.

Hi Joe ! Welcome to PF! :smile:

Energy would be important if you were launching straight up.

But if you're firing at a target, surely what matters is momentum? :smile:
 
ihammer said:
Hello,
First post guys, but I have a ongoing debate in need of a answer

OK, I believe I deliver much more energy with a blow from my hammer then if I fired a bullet at the same object. especially since I am a 240lbs. muscle bound highly skilled carpenter using a 22oz. framing hammer.
I can find data for the bullets. I can find no data for the hammer. This is what brings me here.

45 long colt - muzzle velocity 761 FPS - Muzzle energy 322 FT.LB

Could someone please show me how to address this problem

Thank you,
Joe

You can do this experimentally. Use 16d regular nails and oak, so that you can take at least 2 full swings. Start a nail, measure the height, drive it as hard as you can, and measure the height again. So you have some work (energy) to measure against.

Now start another nail. Ask around for a press (preferably hydraulic). If none of your buds have one, go down to the local auto parts store, tell them what you're doing and buy them a six-pack to let you use the bearing press. Measure the amount of force it takes to push the nail into the wood. Multiply that times the distance from above. You should have the energy +/- 20%.
 
How about hammer versus nail gun? Can you hammer a nail into the stuff that nail guns are used for in a single blow?
 

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