A 2.0-kg pistol fires a 1.0-g bullet with a muzzle speed of 1000 m/s. The bullet then strikes a 10-kg wooden block resting on a horizontal frictionless surface. The block and the embedded bullet then slide across the surface.
-The explosive charge in the pistol acts for 0.001 s. What is the average force exerted on the bullet while it is being fired?
A)0.001 N
B)1.0 N
C)100 N
D)500 N
E)1000 N

Question

A 2.0-kg pistol fires a 1.0-g bullet with a muzzle speed of 1000 m/s. The bullet then strikes a 10-kg wooden block resting on a horizontal frictionless surface. The block and the embedded bullet then slide across the surface. 
-The explosive charge in the pistol acts for 0.001 s. What is the average force exerted on the bullet while it is being fired?
A)0.001 N 
B)1.0 N 
C)100 N 
D)500 N 
E)1000 N

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The average force exerted on the bullet while it is being fired can be calculated using the equation:

F = m * (change in velocity / time)

Here, the mass of the bullet is 0.001 kg (1.0 g = 0.001 kg) and the change in velocity is 1000 m/s (since the bullet starts from rest and is accelerated to a speed of 1000 m/s). The time for which the force is applied is 0.001 s.

Therefore, F = 0.001 * (1000/0.001) = 1000 N

Hence, the correct choice is E.

A 20-Kg Pistol Fires a 1