We know that some bullets have metallic properties, thus giving it the ability of opposing a negative force from a magnet. So how does this work? (If it all) Thanks!
2007-12-31 08:11:35 · 5 answers · asked by skaterb0b 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
BS Alert*
An object only needs to be an electrical conductor to interact strongly with a magnetic field if it's moving quickly (which it is). Eddy currents are induced in the bullet which results in a Lorentz force. I haven't calculated its magnitude, but I bet if you shot a copper jacketed low velocity 22 round through the poles of a large powerful horseshoe magnet, it will deflect measurably (significant compared to grouping). The gun should be clamped firmly in place for accuracy. Shoot off-center of the poles, otherwise it'll just slow the bullet down.
* Given when the majority of other respondents are giving false answers.
2007-12-31 08:25:10 · answer #1 · answered by Dr. R 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
How does the magnetic field interact with a charged object? If the charge is at rest, there is no interaction. If the charge moves, however, it is subjected to a force, the size of which increases in direct proportion with the velocity of the charge. The force has a direction that is perpendicular both to the direction of motion of the charge and to the direction of the magnetic field. There are two possible precisely opposite directions for such a force for a given direction of motion. This apparent ambiguity is resolved by the fact that one of the two directions applies to the force on a moving positive charge while the other direction applies to the force on a moving negative charge.
source : http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/183324/electromagnetism/71590/Interaction-of-a-magnetic-field-with-a-charge
2014-11-06 07:17:38 · answer #2 · answered by Alex 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I deflect bullets with my abs of steel!
2007-12-31 08:25:10 · answer #3 · answered by Kalishnakov 3 · 1⤊ 7⤋
Normally no.
Remember that most bullets are lead. Military rounds use copper jackets over the lead bullet to improve penetration, but copper isn't attracted to a magnet unless it is carrying an electrical charge.
Magnetism is not a very strong force and bullets move quite quickly. To stop a bullet you would have to fire one with an iron core and shoot it through a very powerful magnetic field, preferably one with a long axis of action so the bullet can be caught.
The Mythbusters (on the Discovery Channel) proved that a bullet doesn’t have enough momentum to knock a man down, but they still pack a whole lot of momentum and it takes a lot of energy to slow them down. Since they are so small they do a good job of penetrating the target.
Particle Accelerators use magnetism to accelerate sub atomic particles to near light speed, but they require a whole lot of energy to do that and only move very tiny particles.
2007-12-31 08:19:54 · answer #4 · answered by Dan S 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Realistically, no.
The bullet must be magnetized. Not all metal is magnetic.
Then, the magnet must be very strong, such as a electromagnet. Other factors include the distance to the target and the speed of bullet.
2007-12-31 08:18:55 · answer #5 · answered by Goddard 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋