A gun of mass 10kg fires a bullet of mass 240g at a speed of 300ms-1. What is the speed of the gun's recoil?

First, convert the mass of the bullet into SI units -> 240g=0.24kg

The law of the conservation of momentum states that m1v1=m2v2. To find the speed of the gun, rearrange for v1 to give v1=m2v2/m1 and substitute in the given values; m2=0.24kg, v2=300ms-1, and m1=10kg. This gives v1=0.24x300/10=7.2ms-1

JF
Answered by Jonny F. Physics tutor

2481 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe one technique you could use to measure the threshold voltage for LEDs.


What happens to the pressure inside a gas-filled ball when the temperature is increased? Explain your answer, stating the assumption made.


An electron is moving with speed 2x10^5ms-1 through a magnetic field of strength 0.5T. If the electrons velocity is perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field, what is the magnitude of the force felt by the electron?


Is light the fastest? if no, then explain quantum entanglement!


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning