Will Dropped & Shot Bullets Hit Ground at Same Time?

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SUMMARY

When a bullet is dropped from a height simultaneously with a bullet shot horizontally from the same height, both will hit the ground at the same time in a vacuum, according to classical physics principles. However, real-world factors such as air resistance and the bullet's aerodynamic properties can affect the outcome. Bullets, due to their design, experience aerodynamic lift that can alter their rate of descent. This phenomenon is often illustrated in physics experiments, such as the "shoot the monkey" demonstration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with projectile motion concepts
  • Knowledge of air resistance effects on falling objects
  • Basic grasp of aerodynamic properties of bullets
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  • Research the effects of air resistance on projectile motion
  • Explore the physics behind the "shoot the monkey" experiment
  • Study the aerodynamic design of various bullet types
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Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of motion and the effects of air resistance on projectiles.

Charlie G
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Pretty simple question that I was curious about earlier today. If I were to drop a bullet from the same height and at the same time as my friend shot the bullet from a gun, would they hit the ground at the same time?
I think that they would considering the bullets frame of reference it is at rest. Though I've come to hasty conclusions before only to have a small factor completely prove me wrong, so I just wanted to ask you guys at the forums:smile:
 
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Depends which direction you fired it !
In 'school textbook physics' without air resistance then if you fire a bullet horizontally and drop a bullet from the same height at the same time then they will hit the ground together.
 
Yeah, air really messes it up. Since all bullets other than wadcutters have bevelled or rounded leading edges, there is some aerodynamic lift resultant of their forward speed. That decreases the rate of drop.
 
This reminds me of the famous "shoot the monkey" experiments done in introductory physics classes. Here's one with a crossbow..



In my younger days, I remember seeing it done with a cannon. These are pretty convincing demonstrations that launched projectiles fall at the same rates as dropped objects.
 
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Thx for the replies. The shoot the monky video was pretty cool:smile:
 

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