A ballistic pendulum is a device for measuring bullet speeds. One of the simples

Question

A ballistic pendulum is a device for measuring bullet speeds. One of the simplest versions consists of a block of wood hanging from two long cords. (Two cords are used so that the bottom face of the block remains parallel to the floor as the block swings upward.) A 0.011-kg bullet traveling at 300 m/s hits a 3.5-kg ballistic pendulum. However, the block is not thick enough for this bullet, and the bullet passes through the block, exiting with one-third of its original speed. How high above its original position does the block rise?

Express your answer with the appropriate units.

Explanation / Answer

kinetic energy lost by bullet = increase in potential energy of ballistic pendulum
0.5*m1*(Vi^2 - Vf^2) = m2*g*h
0.5*0.011*(300^2 - 100^2) = 3.5*9.8*h
440 = 34.3 *h
h= 12.83 m
Answer: 12.83 m

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