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110. Problem 16.46E (HRW) A block of mass M, at rest on a horizontal frictionless table, is attached to a rigid support by a spring of constant k. A bullet of mass m and velocity v strikes the block as shown in the diagram. The bullet remains embedded in the block. We have to determine (a) the velocity of the block immediately after the collision and (b) the amplitude of the resulting simple harmonic motion.
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Solution: Click For PDF Version (a) A bullet of mass m moving with speed v strikes a block of mass M and gets embedded in it. It is an inelastic collision. In an inelastic collision although motion energy is not a constant of motion, momentum is conserved. Initial speed of the block of mass M with bullet of mass m embedded in it immediately after the collision will be
(b) The block is attached to a spring having spring constant, k. Therefore, the block after being struck by the bullet will execute SHM. Amplitude, a, of the SHM can be calculated by requiring
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