Question

A 30 g bullet moving a horizontal velocity of 500 m/s comes to a stop 12 cm within a solid wall. (a) what is the change in the bullet's mechanical energy? (b) what is the magnitude of the average force from the wall stopping it?

Answer 1

M = 30 g = 0.03 kg, the mass of the bullet
v = 500 m/s, the velocity of the bullet

By definition, the KE (kinetic energy) of the bullet is
KE = (1/2)*m*v²
      = 0.5*(0.03 kg)*(500 m/s)² = 3750 J
Because the bullet comes to rest, the change in mechanical energy is 3750 J.

The work done by the wall to stop the bullet in 12 cm is
W = (1/2)*(F N)*(0.12 m) = 0.06F J

If energy losses in the form of heat or sound waves are ignored, then
W = KE.
That is,
0.06F = 3750
F = 62500 N = 62.5 kN

Answer:
(a) 3750 J
(b) 62.5 kN