How Do Rotating Disks Measure Bullet Speed?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a device designed to measure bullet speed using two rotating disks. The disks are separated by a distance and rotate at a specified angular speed. The bullet passes through both disks, leaving holes that indicate its passage, and the task is to determine the bullet's speed based on the angular displacement between these holes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between angular displacement and time, questioning how to calculate the time it takes for the bullet to travel between the disks. Some suggest using the definitions of velocity and angular velocity to derive equations, while others seek clarification on how to apply these concepts.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and attempting to clarify the relationships between the variables involved. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of equations, but there is no explicit consensus on the next steps.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the application of the equations and the overall setup of the problem, indicating potential gaps in understanding the relationships between angular displacement, time, and velocity.

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Homework Statement



A device can be used to measure the speed of a bullet. The device consists of two rotating disks, separated by a distance of d = 0.850 m, and rotating with an angular speed of 95.0 rad/s. The bullet first passes through the left disk and then through the right disk. It is found that the angular displacement between the two bullet holes is 0.240 rad. From these data, determine the speed of the bullet.

Homework Equations

Angular displacement = arc length/radius
Angular velocity = angular displacement/time

The Attempt at a Solution


I attempted to set up an equation, but I simply couldn't.
 
Last edited:
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What is the angular displacement of the first disk during the bullet's flight between the disk? Of the second one?
 
The definition of Velocity is distance/time

The distance is known so you just need to work out the time it takes to travel the distance between the discs.

The definition of angular velocity is

Angular velocity = angle/time

So rearrange that to give an equation for the time. Plug that into the first equation.
 
CWatters said:
The definition of Velocity is distance/time

The distance is known so you just need to work out the time it takes to travel the distance between the discs.

The definition of angular velocity is

Angular velocity = angle/time

So rearrange that to give an equation for the time. Plug that into the first equation.

Please clarify? I've been stumped for a long time.
Following your advice, time = angle/angular velocity
But how do I plug it in?
 

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