A bullet of mass 0.0021 kg initially moving at 497 m/s embeds itself in a large fixed piece of wood and travels 0.65 m before coming to rest. Assume that the acceleration of the bullet is constant. What force is exerted by the wood on the bullet

The force exerted by the wood on the bullet is 399.01 N

Explanation:

Given;

mass of bullet, m = 0.0021 kg

initial velocity of the bullet, u = 497 m/s

final velocity of the bullet, v = 0

distance traveled by the bullet, S = 0.65 m

Determine the acceleration of the bullet which is the deceleration.

Apply kinematic equation;

V² = U² + 2aS

0 = 497² - (2 x 0.65)a

0 = 247009 - 1.3a

1.3a = 247009

a = 247009 / 1.3

a = 190006.92 m/s²

Finally, apply Newton's second law of motion to determine the force exerted by the wood on the bullet;

F = ma

F = 0.0021 x 190006.92

F = 399.01 N

Therefore, the force exerted by the wood on the bullet is 399.01 N