Physics

Let's solve the problem step by step using the principles of conservation of momentum and kinetic energy.

 

Given:

Mass of the bullet,

Initial velocity of the bullet,

Mass of the wooden block,

Initial velocity of the block, (stationary)

Final velocity of the combined system: (to be determined)

 

Conservation of Momentum

Since no external horizontal forces are acting on the system (block + bullet), momentum is conserved. The total initial momentum is equal to the total final momentum.

 

Substituting the known values:

 

So, the final velocity of the combined block-bullet system is 10 m/s.

 

Kinetic Energy Before and After the Collision

The initial kinetic energy is the sum of the kinetic energies of the bullet and the block (which is zero because the block is stationary).

 

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