Finding the expression for momentum.

In summary, the conversation discusses the scenario of a bullet of mass m being fired into a block of mass M at rest. The block, with the embedded bullet, slides a distance d on a horizontal surface with a coefficient of kinetic friction μk. The task is to find an expression for the bullet's speed vbullet, expressed in terms of the variables m, M, μk, d, and appropriate constants. The conversation also mentions the equations for momentum (p=mv) and force (Faverage(Δt)=mΔv=Δp=J), and prompts the listener to consider the changes in momentum when a bullet is embedded in a block.
  • #1
aracali
5
0

Homework Statement


A bullet of mass m is fired into a block of mass M that is at rest. The block, with the bullet embedded, slides distance d across a horizontal surface. The coefficient of kinetic friction is μk.

Find an expression for the bullet's speed vbullet.
Express your answer in terms of the variables m, M, μk, d, and appropriate constants.

Homework Equations


p=mv

After that I have nothing.
 
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  • #2
Think a bit further. Why did you write p=mv? what are p, m, v?
 
  • #3
ehild said:
Think a bit further. Why did you write p=mv? what are p, m, v?
p= momentum
m=mass
v=velocity

I also forgot to include:
Faverage(Δt)=mΔv=Δp=J
 
  • #4
You have two objects, the bullet and the block. Both have momentums. What happens with the momentums when you fire a bullet into a block and the bullet is embedded in the block?
 

Related to Finding the expression for momentum.

1. What is momentum?

Momentum is a physical quantity that describes the motion of an object. It is defined as the product of an object's mass and its velocity. In simpler terms, momentum is the measure of how much an object is moving and how difficult it is to stop that movement.

2. Why is it important to find the expression for momentum?

Finding the expression for momentum is important because it allows us to quantify and understand the motion of objects. It is a fundamental concept in physics and is crucial in studying the behavior of particles, fluids, and other systems.

3. How do you calculate momentum?

Momentum is calculated by multiplying an object's mass (m) by its velocity (v), expressed as p = m * v. The unit of momentum is kilogram meters per second (kg⋅m/s).

4. What is the difference between momentum and velocity?

Velocity is a vector quantity that describes the speed and direction of an object's motion, while momentum is a vector quantity that describes the quantity of motion an object has. Velocity is dependent on both the magnitude and direction of an object's motion, while momentum is only dependent on the object's mass and velocity.

5. How does momentum relate to Newton's Laws of Motion?

Momentum is closely related to Newton's Laws of Motion, specifically the second law which states that the net force acting on an object is equal to the rate of change of its momentum. This means that a change in momentum will result in a force being applied to an object, causing it to accelerate or decelerate.

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