(a) Explain, with the help of the principle of conservation of linear momentum, why a…
PHYSICS · Subjective · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
(a) Explain, with the help of the principle of conservation of linear momentum, why a gun kept on a smooth horizontal table jerks backward the instant a bullet is fired from it.
(b) A heavy shoulder-mounted launcher fires a light projectile. Give any two practical design features that engineers incorporate in such launchers to minimise the discomfort of recoil for the user.
Answer both parts in detail, using clear reasoning and appropriate physics terminology.