A bullet fired into a wooden block loses half of its velocity after pe...
Calculation of Distance Traveled by Bullet
Given:
- Initial velocity of the bullet = \( v_0 \)
- Velocity of the bullet after penetrating 40 cm = \( \frac{v_0}{2} \)
- Distance penetrated before coming to rest = 40 cm
Calculating the Distance Traveled
Let the total distance traveled by the bullet before coming to rest be \( d \).
When the bullet penetrates 40 cm, its velocity becomes \( \frac{v_0}{2} \).
Using the formula for distance traveled with constant acceleration:
\[ v^2 = u^2 + 2as \]
Where:
- \( v \) = final velocity
- \( u \) = initial velocity
- \( a \) = acceleration
- \( s \) = distance traveled
Substitute the given values into the formula:
\[ 0 = (\frac{v_0}{2})^2 + 2a(40) \]
As the bullet comes to rest, its final velocity is 0. Solve for acceleration:
\[ a = -\frac{(v_0)^2}{160} \]
Now, when the bullet comes to rest, the distance traveled is given by:
\[ d = 40 + \frac{v_0^2}{160} \]
Final Answer
The bullet will come to rest after traveling a total distance of \( 40 + \frac{v_0^2}{160} \) cm.