Work-Energy Theorem: Find Force on 16g Bullet Accelerated to 1010m/s

AI Thread Summary
A 16 g bullet is accelerated to 1010 m/s in a 72.3 cm rifle barrel, and the average force exerted on it is calculated using the work-energy theorem. The initial calculations yielded a force of 1.1287e7 N, but unit conversion from grams to kilograms was necessary for accuracy. After correcting the units, the correct average force was determined to be approximately 11,287.4 N. The discussion emphasized the importance of unit consistency and the correct application of kinetic energy formulas. Overall, the participants clarified the calculations and reinforced the need for proper unit conversions in physics problems.
blayman5
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Homework Statement


A 16 g bullet is accelerated in a rifle barrel
72.3 cm long to a speed of 1010 m/s.
Use the work-energy theorem to find the
average force exerted on the bullet while it is
being accelerated. Answer in units of N.

Homework Equations


W=changeKE

The Attempt at a Solution


Fx=(mvf^2)/2-(mvi^2)/2
F=((16*1010^2)/2*.723
F=1.1287e7
Did I do this correctly?
 
Last edited:
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blayman5 said:

Homework Statement


A 16 g bullet is accelerated in a rifle barrel
72.3 cm long to a speed of 1010 m/s.
Use the work-energy theorem to find the
average force exerted on the bullet while it is
being accelerated. Answer in units of N.


Homework Equations


W=changeKE


The Attempt at a Solution


Fx=(mvf^2)/2-(mvi^2)/2
F=((16*1010^2)/2*.723
F=1.1287e7
Did I do this correctly?

Check your units. Looking at your equation

F=((16*1010^2)/2*.723

you have units of

g * m3 / s2


You seem to have the right equation for Kinetic Energy (although wrong units). That is, KE = (mass) * (velocity2) / 2, which should result in units of N * m.
 
The way I had it in units was:

N * m = (kg *(m^2/s^2) )/ 2
N = (kg *(m^2/s^2) )/ 2 m
N = (kg *(m/s^2) )/ 2
N= kg * m/s^2

The method in units was correct but i don't know if there is an alternative method to solve this problem.
 
almost correct: you should convert 16g to kg, that's all.
 
ok, i got 11, 287.4 N thanks
 
I have a problem that is quite similar.
But I am confused in the way you were able to find your answer.
when I multiplied your .016kg by 1010^2, I came up with 16321.6
which is not your 11,287.4 N

please explain.
 
Remember that F=Wx, so find the work done by kinetic energy

N * m = (kg *(m^2/s^2) )/ 2
N = (kg *(m^2/s^2) )/ 2 m
N = (kg *(m/s^2) )/ 2

Use the distance given to find the force
 
Yeah, shortly after I studdied the thread and got it all kinked out.
I love this place.
Thank you anyways.
 
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