Impact of a Bullet into a Block

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a 12g bullet impacting an 87.8g block of wood, which slides 9.8m before stopping. The key calculations involve determining the bullet's speed before impact, which is found to be 81.5033 m/s. The participant discusses the frictional force and normal force calculations, ultimately needing guidance on applying the work-energy theorem and conservation of momentum to solve the problem effectively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with the work-energy theorem
  • Knowledge of conservation of momentum principles
  • Basic skills in calculating forces and friction
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the work-energy theorem in detail
  • Learn about conservation of momentum in inelastic collisions
  • Practice problems involving friction and normal force calculations
  • Explore advanced physics concepts related to projectile motion
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Students in introductory physics courses, educators seeking problem-solving strategies, and anyone looking to strengthen their understanding of mechanics and collision dynamics.

Destructo_Dav
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So I checked out the physics class I was taking on ratemyprofessor.com and John Ross was the guy who was teaching it. He had good reviews, so I figured I'll take his class. Well, a TA is teaching it, and I won't name the person, but he isn't really a teacher--even with his PhD in astrophysics. Needless to say, I'll probably be needing quite a bit of help. Thanks in advance for anyone who does help.

Homework Statement


A 12g bullet is fired in a 87.8g block of wood at rest on a horizontal surface and stays inside. After impact, the block slides 9.8m before coming to rest. The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s^2

If the coefficient of friction between the surface and the block is .5, find the speed of the bullet before impact.

Answer: 81.5033 m/s

Homework Equations


Normal Force = mg
Work = Distance * Force
Another one with velocity in the variable

The Attempt at a Solution


The farthest I got was finding the frictional force that opposes the motion of the block.

Normal Force = (.012+.0878)(9.8) = .97804 in the upward direction
Friction Force = (.5)(.97804) = .48902

I suppose I could turn that into work, which would be:

Work = (.48902)(9.8) = 4.79240 in the westward direction

That gives me the force that opposes the motion of the block, but I don't think that gets me anywhere closer to the velocity. This is where I am stuck, and although I know the answer, I will have to know how to do this for the test. Any guidance will be much appreciated.
 
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Yes, good so far. Now find the velocity of the mass-bullet system immediately after impact by using the work-energy theorem . Then it's conservation of momentum.
 

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