Answer the following questions about the interaction of two bodies.
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
Answer the following questions about the interaction of two bodies.
(a) State Newton’s third law of motion.
(b) Using the second and third laws of motion, derive an expression to show that the total linear momentum of an isolated system of two interacting bodies remains constant.
(c) A pistol of mass 1.0kg fires a bullet of mass 10g with a speed of 250m/s relative to the ground. Calculate the recoil speed of the pistol. Then determine the total momentum of the system (pistol + bullet) just before and just after the shot, and comment on your result.