Work Energy Theorem of a fired arrow

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a 0.065 kg arrow that is fired horizontally, with the bowstring exerting an average force of 70 N over a distance of 0.90 m. The participants are discussing how to determine the speed of the arrow as it leaves the bow using the work-energy theorem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss calculating work done by the bowstring and relate it to the change in kinetic energy. There is confusion regarding the final kinetic energy of the arrow and its interpretation in the context of the problem.

Discussion Status

Some participants are exploring the relationship between work done and kinetic energy, while others are questioning their assumptions about the initial and final kinetic energy values. A participant has identified a numerical error in their calculations, which may influence their understanding of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted misunderstanding regarding the initial conditions and the interpretation of kinetic energy at different points in the arrow's motion. The problem context is constrained by the requirement to use the work-energy theorem without additional information about the arrow's trajectory after being fired.

Notyou
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Homework Statement


A 0.065 kg arrow is fired horizontally. The bowstring exerts an average force of 70 N on the arrow over a distance of 0.90 m. With what speed does the arrow leave the bow?


Homework Equations


W=Fd
W=KE final - KE initial
KE= 1/2mv^2


The Attempt at a Solution


First I used the force given and the distance given and found the work to be 63J. From there I set that equal to the change in kinetic energy. I believe the final kinetic energy is 0, but if that is the case I am obtaining the wrong answer. The final answer is supposed to be 44 m/s.
 
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Notyou said:

Homework Statement


A 0.065 kg arrow is fired horizontally. The bowstring exerts an average force of 70 N on the arrow over a distance of 0.90 m. With what speed does the arrow leave the bow?


Homework Equations


W=Fd
W=KE final - KE initial
KE= 1/2mv^2


The Attempt at a Solution


First I used the force given and the distance given and found the work to be 63J. From there I set that equal to the change in kinetic energy. I believe the final kinetic energy is 0, but if that is the case I am obtaining the wrong answer. The final answer is supposed to be 44 m/s.
It's initial KE is zero, but why do you expect its KE as it leaves the bow to be zero? It leaves it with a certain speed, and KE is associated with that speed.
 
Hmm... I suppose with KE final I assumed it meant when the arrow hits the ground. So... I had it backwards? Did I just interpret the question wrong?
 
Oh geeze, I just figured out what I did wrong. I wrote it down as .65 instead of .065. Thank you a lot for your help!
 

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