Will the bullet from the rifle hit the ground at the same time as the dropped bullet? Does velocity change the pull of gravity?
2007-02-09 09:33:26 · 7 answers · asked by swedishhighball 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
both bullets should hit the ground at the same time.
This is a problem about vector forces. Both bullets have a vertical acceleration on them (Gravity or 9.8 m/s) The horizontal force (from the gun) doesn't change the fact that the bullet drops at the same rate due to the force of gravity.
2007-02-09 09:45:10 · answer #1 · answered by Javelinl 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In the real world things like air resistance and curvature of the Earth might make this untrue (by a bit) but yes in a big enough flat space with no air the two bullets would land on the floor at the same time....think about it: once the bullet leaves the barrel of the gun, gravity pulls on it with the exact same force as the stationary bullet. The bullet has no choice but to fall to Earth... its just zipping along as it does it.
2007-02-09 10:02:35 · answer #2 · answered by eggman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are doing this for a physics question (ie, simplified model, no air resistance, aerodynamic considerations, no rotational energy, etc), then yes - both bullets will hit the ground at the same time.
However, in reality the bullet in motion is rotating, which (along with its shape) really messes with its aerodynamics. Air resistance and the fact that the planet is spherical (change in gravitational forces for the fired shot) also attribute to longer flight times. The bullet fired from the gun will stay aloft for a longer time.
2007-02-09 10:09:09 · answer #3 · answered by Atgmelv 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, believe it or not they will both hit the ground at the same time. Only escape velocity would counteract the force of gravity and escape velocity changes depending on the object you're trying to escape from. Ex. Escape velocity would be less on the Moon than the Earth, less on the Earth than Jupiter, etc.
2007-02-09 10:04:00 · answer #4 · answered by ytatton 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both bullets hit the ground at the same time (in absense of air resistance). Forces and accelerations that happen in the vertical direction are not affected by anything that happens in the horizontal direction.
2007-02-09 09:37:30 · answer #5 · answered by Rob S 3 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Yes, if we neglect the friction from air.
No, gravity depends only upon the mass of the objects and their separation.
2007-02-09 09:37:53 · answer #6 · answered by Jerry P 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
yes the velocity will hit later
2007-02-09 09:36:59 · answer #7 · answered by abs of steel 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋