Momentum/kinetic energy w/ rifle

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In summary, the conversation discusses the recoil velocity of a rifle and the comparison of the change in momentum and kinetic energy of the bullet and the rifle. The recoil velocity of the rifle is found to be -2.18m/s, as the direction is opposite to the bullet's velocity. The change in momentum of the rifle is -6.5836 and the change in momentum of the bullet is 7.021. The change in kinetic energy of the rifle is 7.65J and the change in kinetic energy of the bullet is 2071.2J.
  • #1
CollegeStudent
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Homework Statement



A rifle with a mass of 3.22 kg fires an 11.9 g bullet at a velocity of 590 m/s. What is the recoil velocity of the rifle? Compare the change in momentum of the bullet and the rifle. Compare the change in kinetic energy of the bullet and the rifle. Which is bigger, by what factor?


Homework Equations



m_1v_1 + m_2v_2 = m_1v_1 + m_2v_2
(initial) (final)

K = 1/2mv²

The Attempt at a Solution



(a)What is the recoil velocity of the rifle?

We know

mass of rifle = 3.22 kg
mass of bullet = .0119 kg
initial velocity of rifle = 0
initial velocity of bullet = 0 (this one I thought would be the 590m/s but my prof said they both start from rest)
final velocity of bullet = 590 m/s
final velocity of rifle = V_1 (what we want)

m_1v_1(initial) + m_2v_2(initial) = m_1v_1(final) + m_2v_2(final)


So this would be solving for v_1 final so rearrange for that

V_1 = [m_1v_1(initial) + m_2v_2(initial) - m_2v_2(final)]/ m_1

V_1 = [3.22 kg(0) + .0119 kg(0) - .0119 kg(590m/s)] / 3.22 kg
(the answer would be a negative number which makes sense because the direction is opposite)

so V_1 = -2.18m/s


(b) Compare the change in momentum of the bullet and the rifle.

I'm not sure about this one


(c) Compare the change in kinetic energy of the bullet and the rifle

I was thinking

1/2mV_f² - 1/2mV_i² for the bullet and for the rifle

so

mass of rifle = 3.22 kg
mass of bullet = .0119 kg
initial velocity of rifle = 0
initial velocity of bullet = 0 (this one I thought would be the 590m/s but my prof said they both start from rest)
final velocity of bullet = 590 m/s
final velocity of rifle = V_1 (what we want)

Rifle

ΔK_r = 1/2mV_f² - 1/2mV_i²
= 1/2(3.22kg)(-2.18m/s)² - 1/2(3.22kg)(0)²

K_r = 7.65J


Bullet

ΔK_b = 1/2mV_f² - 1/2mV_i²
= 1/2(.0119 kg)(590 m/s)² - 1/2(.0119 kg)(0)²

K_b = 2071.2J



Are these correct? and how would I go about (b)? I'm just not too sure what it is asking
 
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  • #2
The change in momentum of each is calculated much like you did for the change in KE eg...

mV_f - mV_i
 
  • #3
CWatters said:
The change in momentum of each is calculated much like you did for the change in KE eg...

mV_f - mV_i

Oh...I thought I had to go through all of the
m_1v_1 + m_2v_2 = m_1v_1 + m_2v_2
again...and I didn't get what I would be solving for


Okay so

change in momentum of Rifle

3.22(-2.18m/s) - 3.22kg(0) = -6.5836
(only negative to show direction)

change in momentum of Bullet

.0119(590) - .0119(0) = 7.021

Is that correct?
 

Related to Momentum/kinetic energy w/ rifle

1. What is momentum?

Momentum is a measure of the amount of motion an object has. It is calculated by multiplying an object's mass by its velocity.

2. How is momentum related to kinetic energy?

Kinetic energy is a measure of the energy an object possesses due to its motion. It is related to momentum because an object with a greater momentum will also have a greater kinetic energy.

3. How does the rifle's mass affect its momentum and kinetic energy?

The mass of the rifle will directly affect its momentum and kinetic energy. A rifle with a greater mass will have a greater momentum and kinetic energy compared to a rifle with a lesser mass.

4. Why is it important to consider the momentum and kinetic energy of a rifle?

Understanding the momentum and kinetic energy of a rifle is important in terms of safety and accuracy. A higher momentum and kinetic energy can result in a more powerful and potentially dangerous shot. Additionally, knowing the momentum and kinetic energy can help determine the trajectory and impact of the bullet.

5. How can the momentum and kinetic energy of a rifle be calculated?

The momentum of a rifle can be calculated by multiplying its mass by its velocity. The kinetic energy can be calculated by using the formula 1/2 * mass * velocity squared. Both of these calculations can be done using standard units of measurement, such as kilograms and meters per second.

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