Bullet Drop vs. Bullet Shot: Which Reaches the Ground First?

In summary, the conversation discussed a physics question about whether a dropped bullet and a shot bullet would reach the ground at the same time. It was determined that if the bullet is shot horizontally, it would reach the ground at the same time as the dropped bullet. An interesting point was also made that if a bullet was dropped and another was shot from a gun at the same time, they would collide regardless of the speed of the shot bullet. This is based on the assumption that air resistance is negligible and that horizontal and vertical motion are independent.
  • #1
jklamont
1
0
My question is not homework, but a simple physics question that caused discussion (and differing opinions from people with no scientific background) and needs a scientific answer:

If one person dropped a bullet from 5 feet and another person shot a bullet at a height of 5 feet, would they both reach the ground at the same time?
 
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  • #2
Yes, if the bullet is shot horizontally.
 
  • #3
jklamont said:
My question is not homework, but a simple physics question that caused discussion (and differing opinions from people with no scientific background) and needs a scientific answer:

If one person dropped a bullet from 5 feet and another person shot a bullet at a height of 5 feet, would they both reach the ground at the same time?
What is even more intriguing is that if one person dropped a bullet B1 from any height and another bullet B2 was fired from a gun at ground level aimed at B1 at the exact moment B1 was dropped, the two bullets would collide no matter how fast B2 was fired.
 
  • #4
That is all assuming, of course, that air resistance is negligible. It is based on the fact that horizontal and vertical motion are independent.
 

1. What is the difference between speed and velocity?

Speed is a measure of how fast an object is moving, while velocity is a measure of both the object's speed and direction of motion.

2. How is speed calculated?

Speed is calculated by dividing the distance an object has traveled by the time it took to travel that distance.

3. What is the unit of measurement for speed, distance, and velocity?

The unit of measurement for speed and velocity is typically meters per second (m/s), while distance is measured in meters (m).

4. How does an object's acceleration affect its speed and velocity?

An object's acceleration can change its speed or velocity by increasing or decreasing it. If an object is accelerating in a certain direction, its velocity will also change in that direction.

5. Can an object have a constant speed but a changing velocity?

Yes, an object can have a constant speed but a changing velocity if it is changing direction. This is because velocity takes into account both speed and direction.

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