Mechanics: Momentum and Collisions
Momentum and Collisions: Audio Guided Solution
Problem 12:
Mr. H ignites the enthusiasm of the class with a home-made cannon demonstration. The 1.27-kg cannon is loaded with a 54-gram tennis ball and placed on the floor. Mr. H adds the fuel, waits for its vapors to fill the reaction chamber and then brings a match nearby. The explosion stuns the crowd and propels the ball forward. A photogate measurement determines that the cannon recoiled backwards with a speed of 7.8 m/s. Determine the speed of the ball.
Audio Guided Solution
Habits of an Effective Problem Solver
- Read the problem carefully and develop a mental picture of the physical situation. If necessary, sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help you visualize it.
- Identify the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner. Equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity - e.g., m = 1.50 kg, vi = 2.68 m/s, F = 4.98 N, t = 0.133 s, vf = ???.
- Use physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
- Identify the appropriate formula(s) to use.
- Perform substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.
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Get more information on the topic of Momentum and Collisions at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.
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