Magnitude of bullet fired into gel

[tcharger130]

Homework Statement

A rifle bullet with a muzzle speed of 330 m/s is fired directly into a special dense material that stops the bullet in 25.0 cm. Assuming the bullet's deceleration to be constant, what is its magnitude?

x=25.0cm
V=330 m/s

Homework Equations

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The Attempt at a Solution

I don't fully understand the problem, to me it sounds like they want the magnitude of force exerted on the bullet in the opposite direction it was fired? I'm really confused.

Thanks

 

[PhanthomJay]

No, they are looking for the magnitude of the bullet's acceleration (deceleration).

 

[Drew McFaul]

The initial speed, u, is 330m/s, the final speed, v is 0 m/s since the bullet comes to rest. The bullet travels a distance, s of 0.25m.

The equation of motion v^2=u^2 +2as should be of help.

Note that this will give you a negative acceleration which is to be expected as it is opposing the direction of motion.