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A 0.0010 kg pellet is fired at a speed of 50.0 m/s at a motionless 0.35 kg piece of balsa wood . when the pellet hits the wood, it sticks in the wood and they slide off together. With what speed do they slide?

Verified Answer :

  • Law of conservation of momentum!
    let p = momentum
    u = initial velocity
    v = final velocity

    ∑p(initial) = ∑p(final)
    m1u1 + m2u2 = (m1 + m2)(v2)
    (0.001)(50) + (0.35)(0) = (0.35 + 0.001)(v2)
    v2 = (0.001)(50) / (0.35 + 0.001)
    v2 = 0.142 ms^-1 in initial direction
    :-)