How Does a Bullet Affect Pendulum Motion?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on a physics problem involving a 10g bullet traveling at 300 m/s that impacts a 2.2 kg pendulum, which rises to an angle of 15 degrees post-impact. The solution requires applying the conservation of momentum to determine the bullet's final speed (Vf) after passing through the pendulum. It emphasizes that the collision is inelastic, meaning kinetic and potential energies cannot be conserved throughout the process. Instead, the initial kinetic energy of the pendulum must be calculated using the change in potential energy during its swing.

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Homework Statement



A 10g bullet moving at 300 m/s hits and passes through a 2.2 kg pendulum target. After impact the 1.2 m long pendulum rises up an angle of 15 degrees. Find the final speed (Vf) of the bullet.
http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/7566/34494449gz4.png

Homework Equations


sigma(P)=sigma(P')
sigma(E)=sigma(E')

The Attempt at a Solution



i have no idea where to begin
 
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Use conservation of momentum to find the initial velocity (hence initial kinetic energy of the pendulum) in terms of Vf. Take the change in potential energy of the pendulum during to swing to figure out what the initial kinetic energy was. Now solve for Vf. DO NOT attempt to conserve kinetic and potential energies throughout the problem. The collision itself is inelastic. Got that? Now get started.
 

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