Speed of a Declining Bullet Fired from a Pistol: Calculating Ratio

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the speed of a bullet fired from a pistol at a 45-degree angle as it declines to 4 feet above the ground. The key method mentioned is the conservation of energy principle, specifically the equation KE - mgh = constant, which allows for determining the bullet's speed at that height. The angle of firing is deemed irrelevant for the calculation of speed during descent, assuming air resistance is ignored. The focus is on establishing the ratio between the initial firing speed and the speed just before impact.

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  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly conservation of energy.
  • Familiarity with kinetic energy (KE) and gravitational potential energy (mgh).
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  • Basic mathematical skills for ratio calculations.
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autopower99
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what would be the speed of a bullet on decline fired from a pistol. firing angel is 45Deg. What would be the speed of bullet when it reaches 4 feet above from ground during its decline, i just need ratio of firing speed and speed before droping to ground.
 
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Welcome to PF!

autopower99 said:
what would be the speed of a bullet on decline fired from a pistol. firing angel is 45Deg. What would be the speed of bullet when it reaches 4 feet above from ground during its decline, i just need ratio of firing speed and speed before droping to ground.

Hi autopower99! Welcome to PF! :smile:

(I assume we're ignoring air resistance?)

The angle doesn't matter.

Just use conservation of energy … KE - mgh = constant. :smile:
 

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