Math Problem Statement
A bullet of mass 0.00112 kg and speed v passes completely through a pendulum bob of mass 84.6 kg.
The bullet emerges with a
speed v /2. The pendulum bob is suspended by a stiff rod of length 1.08 m and negligible mass.
The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s^@
Wp
What is the minimum value of v such that the pendulum bob will barely swing through a complete vertical circle?
Answer in units of m/s.
Solution
This is a problem involving the conservation of momentum and energy in a system where a bullet passes through a pendulum bob and causes it to swing in a vertical circle. To solve for the minimum velocity , we need to approach it systematically using physics principles.
Step 1: Conservation of Momentum
First, let's assume the collision between the bullet and the pendulum bob is perfectly inelastic (though the bullet does not embed in the bob, it does cause a momentum transfer). The initial momentum of the system is the momentum of the bullet alone:
where:
- is the mass of the bullet,
- is the initial speed of the bullet.
After the bullet passes through the pendulum, the momentum is divided between the bullet and the pendulum bob. The bullet emerges with a velocity , and the pendulum bob gains velocity . The total momentum after the collision is:
where:
- is the mass of the pendulum bob,
- is the velocity of the pendulum bob after the collision.
Using conservation of momentum:
Solving for :
Substitute the values of and :
Step 2: Energy Considerations for Vertical Circle
For the pendulum to barely complete a vertical circle, its velocity at the bottom must be enough to make the pendulum bob reach the top of the circle. The condition for this is that the bob's velocity at the bottom should allow it to have enough kinetic energy to be converted to potential energy at the top of the swing.
At the top of the swing, the pendulum bob must have enough energy to counteract the gravitational potential energy. The minimum velocity needed for this is derived from the following energy equation:
where:
- is the acceleration due to gravity,
- is the length of the pendulum.
Simplifying:
Substitute and :
Step 3: Solving for
Now, equate the expression for from the momentum conservation step with the minimum velocity needed for the pendulum to complete the circle:
Solve for :
Thus, the minimum value of such that the pendulum bob will barely swing through a complete vertical circle is approximately:
Would you like further details on any step?
Here are five related questions to expand the topic:
- What is the significance of the pendulum length in determining the circular motion?
- How would the result change if the bullet embedded in the pendulum bob?
- What is the role of gravity in the pendulum's circular motion?
- How does the mass ratio between the bullet and the pendulum affect the system's momentum?
- Could energy be lost in real-world scenarios like this, and how would it affect the outcome?
Tip: In circular motion problems involving pendulums, ensure that both momentum and energy principles are used, especially when forces like gravity come into play at different points in the motion.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Conservation of Momentum
Conservation of Energy
Circular Motion
Formulas
p_initial = m_b v
p_final = m_b (v / 2) + M_b V_b
V_b = (m_b v) / (2 M_b)
Kinetic Energy = 0.5 M_b V_b^2
Potential Energy = M_b g (2L)
V_b^2 = 4 g L
Theorems
Conservation of Momentum
Conservation of Mechanical Energy
Suitable Grade Level
College Level Physics
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