Calculating Bullet Speed: Pendulum Physics Homework Problem Solution

  • Thread starter Thread starter BugsSport
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Pendulum Physics
AI Thread Summary
To calculate the speed of a bullet lodged in a log, the relationship between kinetic energy (KE) and potential energy (PE) is essential, specifically using the equation ½mV² = mgh. The horizontal displacement, weight of the log, and string length provide the necessary parameters for the calculation. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding pendulum physics to solve the problem effectively. A resource link is shared for further assistance with pendulum-related calculations. Ultimately, the problem can be solved by applying the correct energy principles.
BugsSport
Messages
13
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


I have to calculate the speed of a bullet, based on the amount of displacement created when the bullet becomes lodged in the log.
I have the horizontal displacement, the weight of the log, and the length of the string.


Homework Equations


I'm not sure how to set this up so I don't know what equations to use yet.


The Attempt at a Solution


I calculated the horizontal displacement and have enough information to finish the problem, but I'm not sure which equations to use. Any start is appreciated, thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
KE = PE

The ½mV² of the bullet becomes the mgh of the log displacement.

You know L and θ apparently so ...
 
I just figured it out. Thanks for the response though
 
Just for future reference, this page helps a lot in pendulum problems
http://www.rowan.edu/colleges/lasold/PhysicsAndAstronomy/LabManual/labs/EnergyInAPendulum.pdf
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Thread 'Rolling without slipping on a curved surface'

Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
View full post »

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
View full post »

Similar threads

Seeking advice on "simple" pendulum problem
Replies
27
Views
2K
JEE solution wrong? (tempco of a clock)
Replies
14
Views
1K
The period of a simple pendulum
Replies
20
Views
2K
Linear momentum problem (ballistic pendulum)
Replies
2
Views
4K
Foucault Pendulum at the North Pole
Replies
9
Views
2K
Oblique soccer shot calculation task
Replies
38
Views
4K
Tension in the string of a simple pendulum
Replies
4
Views
3K
Physics IA: Distance B/w Pendulum & Alum. Block, Finding Damping Coefficient
Replies
9
Views
2K
Derivation of time period for physical pendula without calculus
Replies
3
Views
2K
Max Impulse on a pendulum
Replies
1
Views
817

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top