John Taylor Classical Mechanics Chapter 3, Problem 1

In summary, the problem involves a gun of mass M firing a shell of mass m with muzzle speed v. Assuming the gun is completely free to recoil and there are no external forces acting on the gun or shell, the conservation of momentum can be used to show that the shell's speed relative to the ground is v/(1+m/M). This is different from the initial attempt at a solution which resulted in v/(m/M), as the gun and shell are not moving together after firing. This problem is typically discussed in introductory physics.
  • #1
karmonkey98k
6
0
John Taylor "Classical Mechanics" Chapter 3, Problem 1

Homework Statement


Consider a gun of mass M (when unloaded) that fires a shell of mass m with muzzle speed v. (shell's speed relative to gun is v). Assuming gun is completely free to recoil (no ext. forces on gun or shell), use conservation of momentum to show that shell's speed relative to ground is v/(1+m/M)


Homework Equations


Pinitial=m1v1+m2v2 Pfinal=m1v + m2v=(m1+m2)v vfinal=(m1v1+m2v2/(m1+m2)


The Attempt at a Solution


I got v/(m/M), not the "+1
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
karmonkey98k said:
Pfinal=m1v + m2v
The gun and shell are not moving together after firing.
Btw, this is the wrong forum. Should be in introductory physics.
 

Related to John Taylor Classical Mechanics Chapter 3, Problem 1

1. What is the main concept of Chapter 3 in John Taylor's Classical Mechanics?

The main concept of Chapter 3 is the principle of conservation of momentum, which states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant if there are no external forces acting on the system.

2. What is the significance of Problem 1 in Chapter 3 of John Taylor's Classical Mechanics?

Problem 1 in Chapter 3 serves as an introduction to the concept of conservation of momentum and its application in solving problems involving collisions and explosions.

3. How does John Taylor explain the concept of momentum in Chapter 3 of Classical Mechanics?

In Chapter 3, John Taylor defines momentum as the product of an object's mass and velocity. He also explains how momentum is conserved in isolated systems and how it can be transferred from one object to another through collisions and interactions.

4. What are some examples of real-life applications of the concepts discussed in Chapter 3 of John Taylor's Classical Mechanics?

Some examples of real-life applications include car crashes, billiard balls colliding, rocket propulsion, and sports such as baseball and tennis.

5. What are some common misconceptions about the principles of classical mechanics discussed in Chapter 3 of John Taylor's book?

One common misconception is that momentum and kinetic energy are the same thing. However, momentum is a vector quantity while kinetic energy is a scalar quantity. Another misconception is that momentum can be created or destroyed, when in fact it can only be transferred between objects within an isolated system.

Similar threads

General to specific classical mechanics
    • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
I Topics covered in John R Taylor Classical mechanics
    • Classical Physics
Replies
10
Views
1K
Finding the Line of Motion of Two Particles
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
728
Why is the thrust equation same under gravitational force?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
738
Classical Mechanics Q: trajectory of q in B and E fields
    • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
Vertical projectile motion with quadratic drag (sign convention)
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
827
Rocket subject to linear resistive force -- two methods
    • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
3K
Conservation of momentum (relative speed)
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
4K
Classical mechanics exercise, pion decay
    • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
John Taylor Classical Mechanics Chapter 3, Problem 7
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top