Verified Solution Science How Forces Affect Motion

A bullet of mass 10 g is fired from a rifle of mass 2 kg with a muzzle velocity of 150 m/s. Calculate the recoil velocity of the rifle.

5 views 1 helpful Updated Jul 5, 2026
Solution ✔ Verified
  • A0.75 m/s
  • B-0.75 m/s
  • C1.5 m/s
  • D-1.5 m/s
Explanation

Using the Law of Conservation of Momentum: Initial momentum of (rifle + bullet) is 0. Final momentum m_bullet * v_bullet + m_rifle * v_rifle = 0. So, 0.010 kg * 150 m/s + 2 kg * v_rifle = 0. This gives 1.5 + 2 * v_rifle = 0, so v_rifle = -1.5 / 2 = -0.75 m/s. The negative sign indicates the direction opposite to the bullet.

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