Final answer:
The force exerted by an artillery projectile on armor plating can be calculated using the change in momentum over the time interval of impact, considering mass, velocity, and projectile density.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering an artillery projectile striking armor plating, it is important to calculate the force exerted by the projectile on the plate. This force can be found using the equation F = ∆p / ∆t, where ∆p is the change in momentum and ∆t is the time over which the change occurs. To find the change in momentum, we must know the mass (m) and the initial and final velocities (v_i and v_f) of the projectile. If the speed is reduced to zero upon impact, v_f would be 0, and the change in momentum would be m*v_i.
The distance over which the projectile's speed is reduced will influence the time interval ∆t. A shorter distance means a shorter time interval and, consequently, a larger force. The density of the projectile material, such as depleted uranium versus lead, is also a factor. Depleted uranium is denser and therefore has a greater mass for the same volume, which could potentially exert a greater force if fired at the same speed as a lead projectile.