How can we solve the ballistic pendulum problem using conservation of energy?

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SUMMARY

The ballistic pendulum problem involves a heavy bob of mass M and a bullet of mass m, where the bullet embeds itself in the bob after colliding. The solution utilizes the principle of conservation of energy to derive the equation v = (M+m)/m √(2gl(1-cos⁡θ). Initially, the bullet has kinetic energy, while the bob is at rest. After the collision, the combined system's potential energy at the maximum height equals the initial kinetic energy of the bullet, allowing for the calculation of the bullet's speed.

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Homework Statement



A ballistic pendulum consisting of a heavy bob of mass M suspended form a fixed point by a thread of length l is at rest. A bullet of mass m and traveling horizontally at a speed v hits the bob and imbeds itself an the bob. As a result, the pendulum is deflected through a amaximum angle θ from the vertical. Show that

v = (M+m)/m √(2gl(1-cos⁡〖θ)〗 )

where g is the acceleration du to gravity ?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


i really blind with this questions, anyone please i need an answer how to solve it..thaanks :)

 
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Well, as you suggest in your title, you can use "energy"- specifically, conservation of energy. (I don't believe you need conservation of momentum.)

Initially, the mass Mis not moving so its kinetic energy is 0 and the mass m has speed v so its kinetic energy is (1/2)mv^2. We can take the potential energy to be 0 at the initial height of bullet and bob so the total energy is (1/2)mv^2. After impact, at the bob's highest point, both bullet and bob have 0 kinetic energy so the total energy is just the potential energy, (m+M)g h where h is the height the bob and bullet rise to. By conservation of energy, then, (m+M)gh= (1/2)mv^2. Solve that for v.
 

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