2006-12-21 14:11:11 · 3 answers · asked by sakura_jin237 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
I hope that someone can give me some answers, I'd be really thankful!
2006-12-21 14:12:00 · update #1
Momentum is always conserved. It's a fundamental law of physics.
Since the mass of the accelerated object is small compared to the mass of the rifle/linear accelerator, the velocity of the small object can be very large. The rifle/accelerator will experience a small velocity in the opposite direction (the 'kickback') as dictated by conservation of momentum.
2006-12-21 14:17:17 · answer #1 · answered by Che jrw 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hypothetically speaking if say I knew of a government project in which they were working on a linear accelerater weapon a railgun if you will. and again hypothetically speaking if I were to tell you that it may be possible to dramatically increase the speed of say a projectile by first levitating it on a magnet and removing the air from the tube from which it was in thus eliminating friction. Thus hypothetically allowing said projectile to reach speeds excedding the speed of sound before it were to exit the tube and hit friction. The momentum could then be continued by say a small expolosive on the bask of said projectile detonating and casting it forward. Said projectile could hypothetically peirce the armor on an M1A1 Abrams Tank but hey thats all hypothetical and I'm sure I don't know of any Government project right ;)
2006-12-21 14:21:14 · answer #2 · answered by master_furches 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer is momentum is never conserved when an external force is applied.
2006-12-21 14:16:33 · answer #3 · answered by walter_b_marvin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋