Instead of a ballistic pendulum, we could use a system where the bullet mass = m) is fired into a block mass = M) that is coupled to an uncompressed spring with spring constant k). The speed of the bullet, v, can be found by measuring the maximum distance, d, of compression of the spring. In this situation the initial speed of the bullet is given by A) k  M+m))^1/2  d/M. B) k  M))^1/2  d/m. C) k  M+m))^1/2  d/m. D) k  M-m))^1/2  d/m. E) k  M+m))^1/2  d/2m.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The initial kinetic energy of the bullet is converted into the potential energy of the spring. Using conservation of energy, the equation is (1/2)mv^2 = (1/2)kd^2. Solving for v gives v = (k(M+m))^1/2 * d/m.

Instead of a Ballistic Pendulum, We Could Use a System