Momentum transfer from a transiting bullet

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the transfer of momentum and energy from a bullet to a target upon impact. Participants explore the relationship between kinetic energy loss and the forces involved in the interaction, considering both theoretical and practical implications.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the energy transferred to the target can be calculated using the change in kinetic energy formula, indicating a focus on energy loss during impact.
  • Another participant points out a distinction between momentum and energy, arguing that knowing the energy or momentum lost does not provide sufficient information to determine the force applied to the target without additional information about time or distance.
  • The second participant also highlights that the force experienced by the target can vary significantly depending on the material properties, using an analogy of a person dropping onto different surfaces to illustrate this point.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between momentum, energy, and force, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the interaction, such as the dependence on the target material and the need for additional parameters (time or distance) to fully understand the forces involved.

wirenut67
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Well the energy which it transfers, assuming it's all given in heat/other energy to the target is it's loss in Kinetic Energy;

\frac{1}{2}mU^2 - \frac{1}{2}mV^2

where U is it's initial speed and V is it's final speed after the impact, is that what you're looking for?
 
You appear to be confused between "momentum" and "energy". ft-lbs is a measure of energy, NOT force. Also, knowing how much energy or momentum the bullet lost will NOT tell you the "force applied to the target". you would also need to know either the time or the distance in which the bullet lost momentum or energy. Energy is average force times distance. And "distance" depends upon the substance the target is made of. A person dropping, from a given height, onto a matress will lose exactly the same momentum and energy as a person dropping from the same height onto a steel plate but the force experienced will be a lot less.
 
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