Answered

Welcome to Westonci.ca, the place where your questions are answered by a community of knowledgeable contributors. Our platform connects you with professionals ready to provide precise answers to all your questions in various areas of expertise. Get detailed and accurate answers to your questions from a dedicated community of experts on our Q&A platform.

Why does a bullet have more kinetic energy than the recoiling rifle

Sagot :

They both have the same momentum, not kinetic energy.
When bullet is fired it weights let's say 10 grams (0,01 kg) and has velocity of 1000m/s.
The rifle which weights 10000 grams (10kg) has velocity 1 m/s.
The momentum is equal.

But to calculate kinetic energy you have to use formula
 
Lets calculate:
Bullet's kinetic energy= 1/2*0,01*1000^2 = 5000 J
Rifle's = 1/2*10*1=5 J

So the velocity has much larger impact on kinetic energy than mass.