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A problem!

Discussion in 'Whatnots' started by ToTaL, Sep 3, 2004.

  1. ToTaL Gems: 12/31
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    Remove all ads!
    I have a small problem. I have discussed with my friend that pistol bullet has more "power" on the exit from the gun than, lets say, 10m after exiting the gun. Let's also say that it is fired from 2m above the ground, in any direction. Can someone tell me besides the answer: is exiting speed of the bullet greater than maximum free falling speed of the bullet? Any other interesting thing about this problem is also welcome!

    Thank you very much!
     
    ToTaL, Sep 3, 2004
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  2. Septic Yogurt Gems: 9/31
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    Free falling speed will depend on the size of the bullet, since terminal velocity is determined by weight.

    Thats about as much as I know about this aspect of wizardry.
     
    Septic Yogurt, Sep 3, 2004
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  3. Blackthorne TA

    Blackthorne TA Master in his Own Mind Staff Member ★ SPS Account Holder Adored Veteran Pillars of Eternity SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!) New Server Contributor [2012] (for helping Sorcerer's Place lease a new, more powerful server!) Torment: Tides of Numenera SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!)

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    The answer to the original question is not simple, if you want an accurate numerical answer.

    The exiting speed of a bullet from a typical handgun is over 1000 feet per second, while terminal velocity of a bullet through the air is a few hundred feet per second.

    To answer the original question, I would say that the energy drain due to drag force on the bullet that is decelerating the bullet for the couple hundredths of a second the bullet takes to travel 10m is much larger than the energy gain due to acceleration from gravity over that same period, even if you fired it straight down.
     
    Blackthorne TA, Sep 3, 2004
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  4. Splunge

    Splunge Bhaal’s financial advisor Adored Veteran Pillars of Eternity SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!) Torment: Tides of Numenera SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!)

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    From what I recall of physics:

    1. A bullet shot in a vacuum will not decelerate. On Earth, air resistance will slow it down, but at 10m, I imagine the difference in speed vs exit speed would be minuscule.
    2. Maximum free fall speed (terminal velocity) depends on the size and weight of the object, and the density of the atmosphere. So the answer, I think, is “it depends”. However:
    3. A bullet shot straight up into the air will decelerate due to air resistance and gravity. On the way back down, it will accelerate due to gravity (at the same rate that gravity caused the deceleration), but the acceleration will be hindered again due to air resistance. So its speed when it hits the ground will be less than its speed when it left the gun.

    Then again, I could be completely wrong. :xx:
     
    Splunge, Sep 3, 2004
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  5. chevalier

    chevalier Knight of Everfull Chalice ★ SPS Account Holder Veteran

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    It works the same as if you threw a rock or spat something out your mouth. In the beginning the course will be close to straight, but you will quickly notice the moment when it loses the boost you gave it when launching.
     
    chevalier, Sep 3, 2004
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  6. Blackthorne TA

    Blackthorne TA Master in his Own Mind Staff Member ★ SPS Account Holder Adored Veteran Pillars of Eternity SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!) New Server Contributor [2012] (for helping Sorcerer's Place lease a new, more powerful server!) Torment: Tides of Numenera SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!)

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    Right, but you have to take into account the boost gravity gives it. For example, if you spat a bullet out while high above the ground, the kinetic energy of the bullet when it hit the ground would be much higher than what it was when it left your mouth :)
     
    Blackthorne TA, Sep 3, 2004
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  7. ToTaL Gems: 12/31
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    Thanks guys! I see we think the same. Since we didnt talk about some exact weapon, or bullet, I needed "general answer". So the main thing is that terminal velocity of a regular pistol bullet is smaller than exiting velocity and that was what I have expected.
     
    ToTaL, Sep 3, 2004
    #7
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