Solving the Basic Mechanics Bullet Block Collision Problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving the bullet-block collision problem using conservation of energy and momentum principles. The initial calculations suggested an incorrect bullet speed of 56.64 m/s based on energy conservation, but the correct approach reveals that energy is not conserved due to the inelastic nature of the collision and frictional forces. The final correct bullet speed is determined to be 1134 m/s after applying the appropriate equations for momentum and kinetic energy, specifically using the equations for inelastic collisions and work done against friction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of conservation of momentum in inelastic collisions
  • Familiarity with kinetic energy equations and their applications
  • Knowledge of frictional forces and their impact on motion
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations for solving physics problems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of inelastic collisions in physics
  • Learn how to calculate work done by friction in various scenarios
  • Explore the concept of energy transformation during collisions
  • Review the use of units in physics calculations for clarity
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, educators teaching collision dynamics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of energy conservation and momentum in real-world applications.

Arm
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Homework Statement
A bullet with a mass of 5.0 g is fired horizontally into a 2.0 kg wooden block which is
resting on a horizontal table. The bullet stops in the block and the block and bullet
combination move 2.0 m. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and
surface of the table is 0.2. Find the initial speed of the bullet.
Relevant Equations
$$ KE = \frac{mv^2}{2} $$
$$ W = \Delta E = F * distance $$
$$ F_friction \le F_N * \mu $$
$$ g = 10 $$
$$ \frac{5E-3*v^2}{2} = (2 + 5E-3)(10)(0.2)(2) $$
v = 56.64
I just don't get how this is the wrong answer....it's just simple conservation of energy, right?
 
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Arm said:
Homework Statement: A bullet with a mass of 5.0 g is fired horizontally into a 2.0 kg wooden block which is
resting on a horizontal table. The bullet stops in the block and the block and bullet
combination move 2.0 m. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and
surface of the table is 0.2. Find the initial speed of the bullet.
Relevant Equations: $$ KE = \frac{mv^2}{2} $$
$$ W = \Delta E = F * distance $$
$$ F_friction \le F_N * \mu $$
$$ g = 10 $$

$$ \frac{5E-3*v^2}{2} = (2 + 5E-3)(10)(0.2)(2) $$
v = 56.64
I just don't get how this is the wrong answer....it's just simple conservation of energy, right?
Energy is not conserved. The bullet deforms the block and generates heat in the process. It an inelastic collision. Also, friction is doing non-conservative work on the block. Linear Momentum is conserved immediately before and after the collision.
 
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erobz said:
Energy is not conserved. The bullet deforms the block and generates heat in the process. It an inelastic collision. Also, friction is doing non-conservative work on the block. Linear Momentum is conserved immediately before and after the collision.
$$ (5E-3)(v_1)=(5E-3+2)(v_2) $$
$$ \frac{1}{2} (5E-3+2)({v_2}^2)=(5E-3+2)(10)(0.2)(2) $$
$$ v_2 = 2.83 $$
$$ (5E-3)(v_1)=(5E-3+2)(2.83) $$
$$ v_1 = 1134 $$
thanks
 
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Arm said:
$$ (5E-3)(v_1)=(5E-3+2)(v_2) $$
$$ \frac{1}{2} (5E-3+2)({v_2}^2)=(5E-3+2)(10)(0.2)(2) $$
$$ v_2 = 2.83 $$
$$ (5E-3)(v_1)=(5E-3+2)(2.83) $$
$$ v_1 = 1134 $$
thanks
For future reference that notation is difficult to parse. Just leave it all variables next time. I kept thinking you were taking 5 times some quantity ##E## subtracting random numbers!
 
Also final numerical answers without units are meaningless. If I told you that I make two million a year, you might think I live on easy street. Not so fast. If the units of the two million is Ugandan shillings, that translates to $500.00 USD waaaay below the poverty line.
 
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