Final answer:
To determine the speed of the block/bullet system after collision, apply the law of conservation of momentum assuming no external forces act on the system. Given that the block is initially at rest, use the formula (m_bullet * v_bullet_initial) = (m_bullet + m_block) * v_final_system to calculate the final velocity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The problem outlines a collision between a bullet and a block on a frictionless surface. According to the law of conservation of momentum, the total momentum before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision, assuming no external forces act on the system. The bullet of mass 0.2 kg is traveling at 400 m/s eastward and hits a stationary block of mass 1.5 kg. To find the speed of the block/bullet system immediately after the collision, we use the equation:
m_bullet * v_bullet_initial + m_block * v_block_initial = (m_bullet + m_block) * v_final_syste
Since the block is initially at rest, its initial velocity, v_block_initial, is 0 m/s. Therefore, the equation simplifies to:
(0.2 kg * 400 m/s) + (1.5 kg * 0 m/s) = (0.2 kg + 1.5 kg) * v_final_system
Solve for v_final_system to get the final velocity:
v_final_system = (0.2 kg * 400 m/s) / (0.2 kg + 1.5 kg)
After performing the calculation, we find the speed of the block/bullet system immediately after the collision.