Will Dropped & Shot Bullets Hit Ground at Same Time?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Charlie G
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether a bullet dropped from a height will hit the ground at the same time as a bullet shot horizontally from the same height. Participants explore the implications of different conditions, such as air resistance and projectile motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that both bullets would hit the ground simultaneously, considering the bullet's frame of reference when dropped.
  • Another participant points out that the direction of the shot matters, stating that if the bullet is fired horizontally, both bullets will hit the ground together in an ideal scenario without air resistance.
  • A different participant raises the issue of air resistance, noting that the design of bullets can create aerodynamic lift, which may affect the rate of drop.
  • One participant references "shoot the monkey" experiments as demonstrations that launched projectiles and dropped objects fall at the same rate, reinforcing the concept under certain conditions.

    • Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

    Participants express differing views on the effects of air resistance and bullet design, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved regarding the impact of these factors on the timing of the bullets hitting the ground.

    Contextual Notes

    Limitations include assumptions about air resistance, the direction of the bullet's shot, and the specific conditions under which the bullets are released and fired.

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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