How Do You Calculate the Muzzle Velocity Using Conservation of Momentum?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the muzzle velocity of a gun using conservation of momentum, specifically in the context of an inelastic collision between a bullet and a block. The problem involves a bullet fired into a block resting on a frictional surface, and participants are exploring the necessary equations and concepts to solve for the muzzle velocity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between frictional force, displacement, and post-collision speed. There are attempts to derive equations for velocity and momentum conservation, with some questioning how to isolate variables effectively. Others express uncertainty about the necessary calculations and the implications of the collision type.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided calculations and insights regarding the work done by friction and its effect on the post-collision velocity. There is acknowledgment of the need to consider the total mass in calculations. Multiple interpretations of the momentum equations are being explored, indicating a productive dialogue without explicit consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating constraints such as the friction coefficient and the specific conditions of the collisions (inelastic vs. elastic). There is a noted lack of complete information regarding certain variables, which is affecting the progression of the discussion.

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Homework Statement


The muzzle velocity of a gun found at a crime scene is tested by firing the 100 g bullet
into a block of mass 9.9 kg. The block is initially at rest on a frictional surface,
coefficient of 0.1. The bullet sticks into the block and the combination slides a total
distance of 4.5 metres along the surface. Calculate the muzzle velocity of the gun.

Homework Equations


This collision is inelastic.
Fy = 0 = Fn = Fg = mg(Force in y)
Ff = uFn = (.1)(9.9kg)(9.8m/s^2) = 9.703N (Friction Force)
Fx = ma = (-Ff) + (Fa)

vx = dx/t

mBvB + mLvL = v'(mB + mL) (B - bullet, L - block)
mBvB = v'(mB + mL) (vL = 0)

The Attempt at a Solution


I know the frictional force, if I could find a way to figure out the v' in the momentum equation, I could figure everything out. Now I know the displacement, if there was some way I could find the time, or even acceleration. I think I might have ideas on how to taclke the problems, but I can't get too far, I am still going to try, if anyone could help that would very well appreciated. Thank You.

I am missing a piece of the puzzle to finish the question.


Homework Statement


Two titanium spheres approach each other head-on with the same speed and collide
elastically. After the collision, one of the spheres, whose mass is 300 g, remains at rest.
What is the mass of the other sphere?

Homework Equations


Momentum Conserved

m1v1 + m2v2 = m1v1' + m2v2' (v2' = 0, v1 = v2, m1 = .3kg)
v(m1+m2) = m2v2'

m1v1^2 + m2v^2 = m2v2'^2(should I factor?)
v^2(m1 + m2) = m2v2'^2

The Attempt at a Solution


Right now I have a feeling that I should be isolating for m2 or something so I can cancel it out when I sub into another equation.
 
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TheLegace said:

Homework Statement


The muzzle velocity of a gun found at a crime scene is tested by firing the 100 g bullet
into a block of mass 9.9 kg. The block is initially at rest on a frictional surface,
coefficient of 0.1. The bullet sticks into the block and the combination slides a total
distance of 4.5 metres along the surface. Calculate the muzzle velocity of the gun.

Homework Equations


This collision is inelastic.
Fy = 0 = Fn = Fg = mg(Force in y)
Ff = uFn = (.1)(9.9kg)(9.8m/s^2) = 9.703N (Friction Force)
Fx = ma = (-Ff) + (Fa)

vx = dx/t

mBvB + mLvL = v'(mB + mL) (B - bullet, L - block)
mBvB = v'(mB + mL) (vL = 0)

The Attempt at a Solution


I know the frictional force, if I could find a way to figure out the v' in the momentum equation, I could figure everything out. Now I know the displacement, if there was some way I could find the time, or even acceleration. I think I might have ideas on how to taclke the problems, but I can't get too far, I am still going to try, if anyone could help that would very well appreciated. Thank You.

I am missing a piece of the puzzle to finish the question.
What's the work done by friction? How does that relate to the post-collision speed?
 
Doc Al said:
What's the work done by friction? How does that relate to the post-collision speed?

The work done by friction is opposite to that of the applied force. Since the friction is overcome, then work done will be opposite force of friction * the displacement correct.


W = F*d = 9.702N * 4.5m = 1/2mv^2

I think that's how I can figure out the velocity post collison.

Heres what I work out:

v = sqrt(2*Fd/mT) = 8.73m/s... So I get a post collision velocity of the combination of masses of 8.73m/s.

Solving for v1 = v'(mB+mL) / mB = 8.73m/s(10kg) / .1kg = 837.2m/s...for a bullet his answer sounds about right. So thank you very much.

Just one more to go.
 
TheLegace said:
The work done by friction is opposite to that of the applied force. Since the friction is overcome, then work done will be opposite force of friction * the displacement correct.


W = F*d = 9.702N * 4.5m = 1/2mv^2

I think that's how I can figure out the velocity post collison.

Heres what I work out:

v = sqrt(2*Fd/mT) = 8.73m/s... So I get a post collision velocity of the combination of masses of 8.73m/s.
Be sure when you calculate the friction force and the kinetic energy that you use the mass of the entire "bullet + block". Otherwise, looks good.
 
TheLegace said:

Homework Statement


Two titanium spheres approach each other head-on with the same speed and collide
elastically. After the collision, one of the spheres, whose mass is 300 g, remains at rest.
What is the mass of the other sphere?

Homework Equations


Momentum Conserved

m1v1 + m2v2 = m1v1' + m2v2' (v2' = 0, v1 = v2, m1 = .3kg)
v(m1+m2) = m2v2'
Careful. While the initial speeds are the same, they move in opposite directions.

m1v1^2 + m2v^2 = m2v2'^2(should I factor?)
v^2(m1 + m2) = m2v2'^2
Good. Combine this with the momentum equation (after you correct it) and the speeds will cancel out.
 

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