2 bullets fired at the same time - find kinetic energies

So, in summary, the two bullets have masses of 4.7 g and 11 g, respectively, and are fired with a speed of 39.0 m/s. The kinetic energy of the first bullet is 0.00357435 J and the second bullet is 0.0073435 J. The ratio of their kinetic energies is approximately 2.05. The mistake was not converting the mass units to kg correctly.
  • #1
nn3568
14
0

Homework Statement


Two bullets have masses of 4.7 g and 11 g, respectively. Each is fired with a speed of 39.0 m/s.
a) What is the kinetic energy of the first bullet? Answer in units of J.
b) What is the kinetic energy of the second bullet? Answer in units of J.
c) What is the ratio K2/K1 of their kinetic energies?

Homework Equations


KE = 1/2 mv2

The Attempt at a Solution


KE = 1/2 * 4.7g * (39.02 m/s)
and so on...

However, I do not know why the site is telling me my answers are wrong!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hi nn3568,

nn3568 said:

Homework Statement


Two bullets have masses of 4.7 g and 11 g, respectively. Each is fired with a speed of 39.0 m/s.
a) What is the kinetic energy of the first bullet? Answer in units of J.
b) What is the kinetic energy of the second bullet? Answer in units of J.
c) What is the ratio K2/K1 of their kinetic energies?

Homework Equations


KE = 1/2 mv2

The Attempt at a Solution


KE = 1/2 * 4.7g * (39.02 m/s)
and so on...

However, I do not know why the site is telling me my answers are wrong!

Did you convert the mass units to kg before entering the answer (if you leave it in grams the answer will not be in joules)? If so, what did you get?
 
  • #3
Yes, I did convert it into kg when I did the problem again but the site still said I was wrong :(

my answers thus far:
3574.35 (w/o changing to kg)
1.833 (no idea)
35.7435 (change to kg)
0.01 (from a bad source :( )
 
  • #4
OH i get what i did wrong. i messed up in converting!
 
  • #5
Mind your significant digits.

Too many may not be good.
 

Related to 2 bullets fired at the same time - find kinetic energies

1. How do you calculate the kinetic energy of a bullet?

The formula for calculating kinetic energy is KE = 1/2 * m * v^2, where m is the mass of the bullet and v is the velocity. This equation can be used for any object in motion.

2. Can two bullets fired at the same time have different kinetic energies?

Yes, the kinetic energy of a bullet depends on its mass and velocity. If two bullets have different masses or velocities, they will have different kinetic energies.

3. Is the kinetic energy of a bullet affected by air resistance?

Yes, air resistance can decrease the kinetic energy of a bullet. As the bullet travels through the air, it experiences air resistance which slows it down and decreases its velocity. This results in a decrease in kinetic energy.

4. How does the kinetic energy of a bullet change as it travels through the air?

The kinetic energy of a bullet decreases as it travels through the air due to air resistance. This means that the bullet will have less kinetic energy when it hits its target compared to when it was fired from the gun.

5. Can the kinetic energy of a bullet be increased by firing it at a higher angle?

No, the kinetic energy of a bullet is not affected by the angle at which it is fired. The only factors that affect the kinetic energy are the mass and velocity of the bullet.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
28
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
772
Replies
1
Views
700
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
541
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
390
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
957
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
6K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
820
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
5K
Back
Top