What is the Kinetic Energy of Bullets Fired at Different Speeds?

In summary, kinetic energy is the energy an object has due to its motion and is calculated using the formula KE = 1/2 * m * v^2. The kinetic energy of a bullet is significantly higher than most other objects due to its small size and high velocity, and this affects its impact and stopping power. The kinetic energy of a bullet can be changed by altering its mass or velocity.
  • #1
PepeF.
16
0

Homework Statement



two 3.5g bullets are fired with speeds of 42.4 m/s and the 2nd one with 69.6 m/s

what is the kinetic energy of the first bullet?
the second one?


Homework Equations



EK=(1/2)mv^2

The Attempt at a Solution



EK=(1/2)3.6*42.4^2 = 3235.968

it is wrong.. why?
 
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  • #2
units
 
  • #3
you have not converted the mass of the bullet from grams to kgrams

0.50 x (3.5x10^-3) x 42.4^2 = 3.14J

this is the answer i got
 

1. What is kinetic energy?

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. It is directly proportional to the mass and velocity of the object.

2. How is kinetic energy calculated?

Kinetic energy is calculated using the formula KE = 1/2 * m * v^2, where m is the mass of the object and v is its velocity.

3. How does the kinetic energy of a bullet compare to other objects?

The kinetic energy of a bullet is significantly higher than most other objects due to its small size and high velocity. For example, a 9mm bullet traveling at 1,000 feet per second has about 450 joules of kinetic energy, while a baseball thrown at the same speed only has about 45 joules.

4. How does the kinetic energy of a bullet affect its impact?

The kinetic energy of a bullet is directly related to its stopping power and the damage it can cause upon impact. The higher the kinetic energy, the more potential for damage to the target.

5. Can the kinetic energy of a bullet be changed?

Yes, the kinetic energy of a bullet can be changed by altering its mass or velocity. For example, a heavier bullet will have more kinetic energy than a lighter one traveling at the same speed. Additionally, the kinetic energy of a bullet can be increased by increasing its velocity.

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