A 23 g bullet is accelerated in a rifle barrel 62 cm long to a speed of 593 m/s. Use the work-energy theorem to find the average force exerted on the bullet while it is being accelerated. Answer in units of N.

The average force exerted on the bullet while it is being accelerated is 6,522.52 N.

Explanation:

Given;

mass of the bullet, m = 23 g = 0.023 kg

length of the barrel, L = 62 cm = 0.62 m

speed of the bullet, v = 593 m/s

Applying work-energy theorem;

the work done in accelerating the bullet in the riffle = kinetic energy acquired by the bullet.

W = K.E

F x d = ¹/₂mv²

where;

d is the is the distance traveled by the bullet in the riffle = L

F(0.62) = ¹/₂ x 0.023 x (593²)

F(0.62) = 4043.964

F = (4043.964) / (0.62)

F = 6,522.52 N

Therefore, the average force exerted on the bullet while it is being accelerated is 6,522.52 N.