Plotting Hyperbolic Curve from a Moving Train's Bullet

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the physics of a bullet fired from a moving train, specifically how the bullet behaves relative to an observer on the platform. When the bullet is fired backward at the same speed as the train, its velocity relative to the ground is zero, leading to a unique trajectory. Observers in a perfect vacuum would see the bullet drop, but in reality, it follows a hyperbolic curve due to gravitational forces and air resistance. The conversation highlights the complexities of motion and friction in real-world scenarios.

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A train is traveling at the speed of a bullet.

A man, stood on top of the train, fire's a gun in the direction from which the train has come from. (facing rearward)

He pulls the trigger the instant the train passes station 'A'.

The velocity of the bullet relative to the ground is 0

To an observer standing on the platform (mind you, in a perfect vacuum) the bullet would drop.

In our imperfect world, the bullet would drop about 2/3 of the way and then follow the train in a hyperbolic curve.

would someone mind plotting curve ?. I am a simple web developer and this has got me curious as it was a question posted on my own forum... thanks
 
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Hi there,

Why would your bullet, in our imperfect world, would travel 2/3 of the way. The bullet is fired backward at the speed of the train => the bullet's speed compared to someone in the station would be 0. I don't see any reason for it to suddenly be bothered by friction, since it has no velocity compared to the still air surrounding. Of course, I base my assumption on the fact that the bullet leaves the barrel at the speed of the train, friction in the barrel not considered.

Can you explain the reason for this. Cheers
 

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