Conservation of momentum and energy

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of conservation of momentum and energy in a scenario where a bullet is fired through two blocks on a frictionless tabletop. Using this concept, the speed of the bullet after passing through the first block, its original speed, and the momentum and energy throughout the process can be calculated.
  • #1
krypto
14
0
Conservation of momentum and energy :D

:frown: Wats this question on bout?

1. [HRW6 10.P.026.] In Fig. 10-32a, a 4.00 g bullet is fired horizontally at two blocks at rest on a frictionless tabletop. The bullet passes through the first block, with mass 1.20 kg, and embeds itself in the second, with mass 1.80 kg. Speeds of 0.630 m/s and 1.40 m/s, respectively, are thereby given to the blocks (Fig. 10-32b). Neglect the mass removed from the first block by the bullet.
(a) Find the speed of the bullet immediately after it emerges from the first block.
(b) Find the bullet's original speed.
 
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  • #2
As it says, use conservation of momentum and energy.

Calculate the initial momentum and energy.
Calculate the momentum and energy after the bullet passes the first block.
Calculate the final momentum and energy after the bullet is embedded in the second block.

The momentum and energy don't change throughout the process.
 
  • #3
Thnx for that help, it was really confusin me!
 

Related to Conservation of momentum and energy

1. What is the law of conservation of momentum and energy?

The law of conservation of momentum and energy states that in a closed system, the total momentum and energy remains constant over time. This means that the total amount of momentum and energy at the beginning of a system is equal to the total amount at the end, regardless of any internal changes that may occur.

2. How does conservation of momentum and energy relate to Newton's laws of motion?

Newton's third law of motion, which states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, is directly related to the conservation of momentum. When two objects interact, their total momentum before the interaction is equal to their total momentum after the interaction. Similarly, the conservation of energy is related to Newton's first law of motion, which states that an object at rest will remain at rest unless acted upon by an external force. This means that in a closed system, the total energy will remain constant unless acted upon by an external force.

3. How is conservation of momentum and energy applied in real-world situations?

The law of conservation of momentum and energy is applicable in various real-world situations, such as collisions between objects, explosions, and motion of objects in space. In these situations, the total momentum and energy of the system must remain constant, even if individual objects experience changes in momentum and energy.

4. What is an example of a violation of the law of conservation of momentum and energy?

An example of a violation of the law of conservation of momentum and energy is a perpetual motion machine, which claims to create energy and perpetual motion without any external input. However, these machines violate the law of conservation of energy, as energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

5. How does the law of conservation of momentum and energy impact the environment?

The law of conservation of momentum and energy plays a crucial role in environmental conservation. For example, it is used in the design and operation of energy-efficient buildings and vehicles. It also helps in understanding and mitigating the effects of energy and momentum transfer in natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes.

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