How Does Initial Bullet Speed Relate to Conservation of Energy and Momentum?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the relationship between initial bullet speed and conservation of energy and momentum, illustrated through examples involving a bullet and a wooden block, as well as a ball attached to a spring. Participants analyze the equations governing energy conversion, particularly gravitational potential energy and spring potential energy. They explore the conditions for maximum kinetic energy in oscillating systems, emphasizing the importance of displacement and amplitude. Misunderstandings about energy equations and their applications are clarified through collaborative problem-solving. The conversation highlights the complexities of energy conservation in dynamic systems.
hauthuong
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
A bullet of mass 0.0021 kg is shot into a wooden block of mass 0.197 kg.

They rise to a final height of 0.546 m as shown. What was the initial speed (in m/s) of the bullet before it hit the block?

I figured out this one
I got another one
A 5.0 kg ball is attached to a vertical unstretched spring with k = 762 N/m and then released. What distance does the ball fall just as it momentarily comes to rest?
I use F=-kx with F=mg therefore mg=-kx from there I solve for x but I got the wrong answer. What am I wrong. Thank you
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
hauthuong said:
A 5.0 kg ball is attached to a vertical unstretched spring with k = 762 N/m and then released. What distance does the ball fall just as it momentarily comes to rest?
I use F=-kx with F=mg therefore mg=-kx from there I solve for x but I got the wrong answer. What am I wrong. Thank you
Think of it as a conversion of gravitational potential energy into spring potential energy and ball kinetic energy, as the ball falls.
mgx = \frac{1}{2}(kx^2 + mv^2)

Since maximum displacement occurs when v=0,
mgx = \frac{1}{2}kx^2

x = 2mg/k

AM
 
thank you
A 1.72 kg object is suspended from a spring with k = 19.1 N/m. The mass is pulled 0.305 m downward from its equilibrium position and allowed to oscillate. What is the maximum kinentic energy of the object in J?
1/2 kx^2=1/2 mv^2
and I got it wrong too
 
Try to use 1/2 kx^2=1/2 mv^2+mgl, l - heigt
Because when the mass oscillates, it's potential energy changes
 
hauthuong said:
thank you
A 1.72 kg object is suspended from a spring with k = 19.1 N/m. The mass is pulled 0.305 m downward from its equilibrium position and allowed to oscillate. What is the maximum kinentic energy of the object in J?
1/2 kx^2=1/2 mv^2
and I got it wrong too
The condition for maximum kinetic energy is dK/dt = 0 (when the rate of change of kinetic energy = 0). Since K = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 = \frac{1}{2}m(dx/dt)^2 the maximum kinetic energy occurs when d^2x/dt^2 = 0 (ie. when a = 0).

The equation of motion is:
F = mg-Kx = ma where x = the displacement from equilibrium

So when a=0
kx=mg
x=mg/k

Note that it is independent of the maximum amplitude. To find the speed when x=mg/k, use an energy approach:
U_g + KE + U_k = U_{ki}
mg(A-x) + \frac{1}{2}mv^2 + \frac{1}{2}kx^2 = \frac{1}{2}kA^2


AM
 
Last edited:
I'm afraid, that I didn't understand all correctly, but the question is "What is the maximum kinentic energy of the object in J?", isn't it?
I think You are right speaking about condition for maximum kinetic energy, however it depends on amplitude x.

1/2 kx^2=1/2 mv^2+mgx (conversion of energy)

1/2 mv^2=x(kx/2-mg)
 
Yegor said:
I'm afraid, that I didn't understand all correctly, but the question is "What is the maximum kinentic energy of the object in J?", isn't it?
I think You are right speaking about condition for maximum kinetic energy, however it depends on amplitude x.

1/2 kx^2=1/2 mv^2+mgx (conversion of energy)

1/2 mv^2=x(kx/2-mg)
see my edited reply above.

AM
 
But i have
mgx+(1/2)mv^2=(1/2)k(A-x)^2,
where A=(mg/k+x)
What do You think?
 
Yegor said:
But i have
mgx+(1/2)mv^2=(1/2)k(A-x)^2,
where A=(mg/k+x)
What do You think?
A= initial amplitude.
Try:
mg(A-x) + \frac{1}{2}mv^2 + \frac{1}{2}kx^2 = \frac{1}{2}kA^2

substituting x=mg/k:

\frac{1}{2}mv^2 = \frac{1}{2}kA^2 - mg(A - mg/k) - \frac{1}{2}m^2g^2/k

v^2 = KA^2/m - 2gA + mg^2/k
v = \sqrt{KA^2/m - 2gA + mg^2/k}

AM
 
Last edited:
Back
Top