The top rated comment by CGP Grey under this video has a nice graphics explaining that:KingOfQuestions said:I have a bullet with a initial velocity and an apple in free fall (-9.8 acceleration). Whenever I shoot the bullet it will hit the apple as long as the vector of the bullet is aimed at the apple. What I want to know is why does that occur? Why is it that as long as I aim the apple, the bullet hits it?
The proof for why a bullet hits an apple lies in the laws of physics. When a bullet is fired from a gun, it has a certain amount of kinetic energy. This energy is transferred to the bullet and causes it to move forward with a certain velocity. When the bullet hits the apple, this energy is transferred to the apple, causing it to move and ultimately break apart.
The bullet hits the apple instead of passing through it because of the conservation of energy and momentum. When the bullet and apple collide, the energy and momentum of the bullet must be conserved. This means that the bullet cannot simply pass through the apple, but instead transfers its energy and momentum to the apple, causing it to move and break apart.
No, there is not a specific angle or location where the bullet must hit the apple for it to break apart. As long as the bullet has enough energy and momentum, it will be able to break through the apple regardless of the angle or location of impact. However, certain angles or locations may result in a more dramatic or clean break.
The outcome of the bullet hitting the apple can be affected by several factors, including the speed and weight of the bullet, the distance between the gun and the apple, and the type and ripeness of the apple. These factors can impact the amount of energy and momentum transferred from the bullet to the apple, ultimately affecting the force and resulting damage of the impact.
Yes, a bullet can miss the apple completely if it does not have enough energy or if it is fired from too far away. The energy of the bullet decreases as it travels, so if it does not have enough energy to break through the apple by the time it reaches it, it will not hit the apple at all. Additionally, if the gun is not aimed accurately, the bullet may miss the apple completely.