A 13.4-g bullet is fired into a 1.60-kg block of wood which is suspended as a ballistic pendulum.The combined mass swings up to a height of 8.50 cm.What was the kinetic energy of the combined mass immediately after the collision?
A)1.32 J
B)1.33 J
C)0.0112 J
D)1.34 J
E)0.137 J

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The kinetic energy (KE) of the combined mass immediately after the collision can be found using the principle of conservation of energy. The potential energy (PE) at the highest point of the swing equals the kinetic energy just after the collision. PE can be calculated using the formula PE = mgh, where m is the mass (in kg), g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2), and h is the height (in meters). Here, m = 1.60 kg + 0.0134 kg = 1.6134 kg, h = 0.085 m. So, PE = 1.6134 kg * 9.8 m/s^2 * 0.085 m = 1.34 J, which is the kinetic energy immediately after the collision.

A 134-G Bullet Is Fired into a 1