The question involves using principles of physics to calculate recoil velocity and force in a rifle based on given values, and then comparing recoil forces under different conditions.
The question pertains to the physics behind rifle marksmanship and the workings of military rifles, specifically focusing on the recoil experienced when firing a bullet. To address the student's query:
- Calculate the recoil velocity of a 1.00-kg plunger following the conservation of momentum principle, given that a 0.0200-kg bullet is fired at 600 m/s. The momentum of the bullet and the plunger must be equal and opposite according to the conservation of momentum.
- If the plunger is stopped over a 20.0 cm distance, calculate the average force exerted on it by applying the work-energy principle, where the work done by the force equals the change in kinetic energy of the plunger.
- Compare the force exerted on the gun when the bullet is accelerated to 600 m/s in 10 ms to the force calculated in part (b).
In conclusion, through these calculations, students learn how the design of a rifle can influence the force felt by the shooter and the importance of the recoil mechanism.