Math Problem Statement

A certain bullet travels 23.7 cm from the time the powder ignites until it leaves the end of the barrel. If the muzzle velocity of the bullet is 677 m/s, then how long (in milliseconds) did it take for the bullet to leave the barrel of the gun? (For the sake of this problem, assume the rate of acceleration is constant during this time.)

Solution

We are tasked with calculating the time it took for the bullet to travel a distance of 23.7 cm (0.237 m) with a final muzzle velocity of 677 m/s, assuming constant acceleration. The bullet starts from rest, so its initial velocity v0=0v_0 = 0.

We can use the following kinematic equation for constant acceleration:

v2=v02+2adv^2 = v_0^2 + 2 a d

Where:

  • v=677m/sv = 677 \, \text{m/s} (final velocity),
  • v0=0m/sv_0 = 0 \, \text{m/s} (initial velocity),
  • d=0.237md = 0.237 \, \text{m} (distance traveled),
  • aa is the acceleration.

Step 1: Solve for acceleration

6772=02+2a(0.237)677^2 = 0^2 + 2 a (0.237) 458329=2a(0.237)458329 = 2 a (0.237) 458329=0.474a458329 = 0.474 a a=4583290.474967136.71m/s2a = \frac{458329}{0.474} \approx 967136.71 \, \text{m/s}^2

Step 2: Find the time taken to leave the barrel

Using another kinematic equation to find the time tt:

v=v0+atv = v_0 + a t

Since v0=0v_0 = 0:

t=va=677967136.710.0007secondst = \frac{v}{a} = \frac{677}{967136.71} \approx 0.0007 \, \text{seconds}

To convert this into milliseconds:

t=0.0007seconds×1000=0.7millisecondst = 0.0007 \, \text{seconds} \times 1000 = 0.7 \, \text{milliseconds}

Final Answer:

It took approximately 0.7 milliseconds for the bullet to leave the barrel.

Do you need more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. What is the significance of assuming constant acceleration in this problem?
  2. How would air resistance affect the time calculation?
  3. What would happen if the muzzle velocity was doubled?
  4. How does the length of the barrel influence the bullet's acceleration?
  5. Can the same method be used if the bullet had an initial velocity?

Tip: Always double-check unit conversions, especially when switching between meters, centimeters, and seconds.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Kinematics
Constant Acceleration
Physics

Formulas

v^2 = v_0^2 + 2ad
v = v_0 + at

Theorems

Kinematic equations for uniformly accelerated motion

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12