Solving the Mystery of the President's Shooting - Kinematics Physics Homework

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around a physics homework problem involving kinematics related to a shooting incident involving a president. Forensic analysis indicates the bullet's instantaneous velocity upon impact was approximately 350 m/s, with an average speed of 385 m/s and an average deceleration of 45 m/s². The velocities of four suspects' rifles were recorded over time, revealing varying performance metrics. The objective is to determine which suspect fired the bullet that grazed the president's thigh based on the provided data.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematics principles, including velocity and acceleration.
  • Familiarity with calculating average speed and instantaneous velocity.
  • Knowledge of deceleration and its implications in motion analysis.
  • Ability to analyze and interpret data from time-velocity graphs.
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the deceleration of each suspect's rifle using the provided velocity data.
  • Compare the calculated deceleration with the forensic data to identify the shooter.
  • Research kinematic equations to solidify understanding of motion analysis.
  • Explore case studies involving forensic ballistics to understand real-world applications.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on kinematics, forensic scientists, and anyone interested in applying physics principles to real-world scenarios such as criminal investigations.

mclj
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
1PHYSICS KINEMATICS HELP?
President was shot while at home. While sitting on the sofa near the window, one bullet came through the window and grazed the president's thigh. The CID rounded up 4 suspects : A. B, C and D. All four were found with a rifle.
Forensic scientists have concluded from evidence that the instantaneous velocity of the bullet as it hits the window is about 350m/s and its average speed is about 385m/s. Also, it had an avg deceleration of about 45m/s2. Each rifle was taken to the shooting range to be tested.

suspect: time -- bullet velocity
A: 0.0 -- 600
1.0 -- 450
2.0 -- 375
3.0 -- 330
4.0 --315
5.0 -- 300
B: 0.0 -- 420
1.0 -- 240
2.0 -- 120
3.0 -- 90
4.0 -- 75
5.0 -- 55


C: 0.0 -- 420
1.0 -- .360
2.0 -- 300
3 .0 -- 240
4.0 -- 180
5.0 -- 120

D: 0 . 0 -- 600
1.0 -- 410
2.0 ---- 320
3.0 -- 230
4.0 -- 180
5 .0 -- 150

WHO SHOT THE PRESIDENT? WHY?


THANKS, YOUR HELP IS MUCH APPRECIATED.




Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
welcome to pf!

hi mclj! welcome to pf! :wink:

i suppose they want you to calculate the deceleration? …

show us what you've tried, and where you're stuck, and then we'll know how to help! :smile:
 

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
11K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
26K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
7K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
7K
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
6K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
11K