2006-08-16 20:09:28 · 10 answers · asked by chetfan2003 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
yes, much worse that bullet from G3
2006-08-16 20:14:27 · answer #1 · answered by ulwin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope. The terminal velocity for a penny is too low. Also, a penny is very low mass so the momentum (and thus the damage a flying penny can cause) is very small as well.
MythBusters on the discovery channel fired a penny out of a high powered rifle at a balistics dummy and couldn't penetrate the skull or cause more than a small surface wound. This was arround 10 times the terminal velocity.
2006-08-17 03:14:03 · answer #2 · answered by selket 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No it can not. Since it has a flat profile the air resistance will stop it from gaining a very high speed. The shape will also stop the penny from piecing the skin. If the same penny were to be cast into a sharp object it could become more dangerous.
2006-08-17 03:38:04 · answer #3 · answered by SAREK 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure it can. It's gonna keep accelerating downard until it reaches its terminal velocity. And judging by how little surface area a penny has and how dense it is, I'd imagine that speed to be quite high. Being hit by a penny dropped from high up could be akin to being shot from above.
2006-08-17 03:14:30 · answer #4 · answered by sheograth06 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. It could be possible.
Just for example: If the penny happens to fall into the eye of a fast riding biker. The biker may lose his/her concentration and could collide to an approaching vehicle.
2006-08-17 03:22:42 · answer #5 · answered by cooler 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is ridiculous. As someone in university physics, it cannot kill you. Terminal velocity will keep it at a constant velocity and even more things can slow it down.
Unless you're fresh out of your mom's uterus with a soft spot on your head, you'll be fine.
2006-08-17 03:55:34 · answer #6 · answered by Tim 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope, Mythbusters busted that myth. Terminal velocity of a penny is too slow.
2006-08-17 03:16:02 · answer #7 · answered by Flip 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No...A falling object reaches terminal velocity and can go no faster....Since a penny has very little mass, it would be a very freak accident if it killed anyone.
2006-08-17 03:13:54 · answer #8 · answered by mason p 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes it can.
2006-08-17 03:25:50 · answer #9 · answered by kingofnarniaforever 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you put thrust on it in a downward angle then yes!!!
also it would if you were hit in the temple!!!
2006-08-17 03:14:06 · answer #10 · answered by meekyle22 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋