Chapter 9, Problem 36A

To determine

Whether a bullet can have the same momentum as a truck.

Answer to Problem 36A

Yes

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Momentum of an object of mass m and moving with velocity v is given by,

  $p=mv$

Mass of a bullet is very less than the mass of the truck, that is

  $m_{\text{bullet}}<<m_{\text{truck}}$

Thus, if the velocity of the bullet is very high that of the truck in the same direction, that is $v_{\text{bullet}}>>v_{\text{truck}}$ , then the momentum of a bullet can be same as that of the truck since momentum is given by,

  $p=mv$

Conclusion:

Hence, the momentum of a bus can be same as that of the truck if the velocity of the bullet is very large as compared to that of the truck.