question about velocity

[Impala]

Question
Let’s say a bullet fired from this rifle shots at speed X.

Now let’s say you are traveling on a train in one direction also traveling at X.

What would happen if you were to shot this rifle in the opposite direction of travel?

What would happen to the bullet?

Would it stop relative to the ground?

Hard to believe

Also is the train was traveling faster than X and the rifle was shot in the opposite direction would the bullet travel in the same direction as the train relative to the ground at the rate of the difference between X and the speed of the faster moving train?

again hard to believe

this question has been on y mind since I was like 12 never really got a solid annswer

[nazarbayev1129]

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/s...d.php?t=346082
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What's with everyones fascination with physics...especially today BTW, I had a lesson on relative velocity today...is this some sort of sign?

[Quan]

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/s...d.php?t=346082
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What's with everyones fascination with physics...especially today BTW, I had a lesson on relative velocity today...is this some sort of sign?

Sounds alot like my gr 11 homework, maybe people need help?

[nazarbayev1129]

Sounds alot like my gr 11 homework, maybe people need help?

Yeah, motion was the hardest unit for me...but easy for my friends. Then the following units were easy for me, but hard for my friends.

[Impala]

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/s...d.php?t=346082
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/s...d.php?t=345924


What's with everyones fascination with physics...especially today BTW, I had a lesson on relative velocity today...is this some sort of sign?

Actually it was the thread about the plane and the treadmill that made me ask. BTW even I, with no background in physics, can tell the plane won't fly without lift from air traveling over the wings

[m85d1]

It is hard to believe because the speed of bullet might be too fast for the train.

Things might a bit believable if you use the example of throwing a ball on a train instead.

Imagine you are standing on the ground, watching someone throwing a ball on a passing train. If the speed of the train and the speed of the ball are both x, but in different direction, then you should be able to see a ball that is motionless.

[Impala]

that's why i am asking. that's the only conclusion i have been able come to But I feel as if i am missing something it's hard to believe

[NiMSo]

The bullet should still travel at X speed relative to the ground, but at 2X speed in the opposite direction relative to the shooter on the train.

[deep]

The bullet should still travel at X speed relative to the ground, but at 2X speed in the opposite direction relative to the shooter on the train.

A very nice, solid, authoritative answer. Also, completely wrong.

[UrbanPoet]

yah.. but the guy will still come into contact with the bullet and DIE.
plus it simpossible.. the slowest crappiest moddern bullet i can think of would be a 45ACP going around 800fps....
unless ur talking about old school cartridges via black powder

[NiMSo]

A very nice, solid, authoritative answer. Also, completely wrong.

Hey, ignorance is bliss . As long as something sounds sound (that was punintentional), you will believe it and be happy. Seems to work with politicians and lawyers.

[deep]

yah.. but the guy will still come into contact with the bullet and DIE.
plus it simpossible.. the slowest crappiest moddern bullet i can think of would be a 45ACP going around 800fps....
unless ur talking about old school cartridges via black powder

You clearly missed the point of the Q...and besides, unless the target were also on the train, he wouldn't die.

If the target were standing beside the tracks and immediately after passing him, the shooter fired with the same velocity of the train (the magical maglev fusion powered super train, if you like) the bullet would just drop to the ground beside the target.

Get on a slow train and jump off with the exact same speed in the opposite direction, and you will nail the landing easily.

[Rembrandt100]

You clearly missed the point of the Q...and besides, unless the target were also on the train, he wouldn't die.

If the target were standing beside the tracks and immediately after passing him, the shooter fired with the same velocity of the train (the magical maglev fusion powered super train, if you like) the bullet would just drop to the ground beside the target.

You are kidding right!

Once the gun has been fired it does not matter what direction or speed the train is travelling. As soon as the gun is fired the bullit will travel in the aimed direction at the velocity it was intended to move.

In the case above the target would be it instantly. Once the gun is fired any connection to the speed or direction of the train is severed. To accept your theory, it would also follow that if the train were moving in the opposite direction that the gun was aimed and at twice the speed of the bullit, then the bullit would not leave the gun when the trigger was pulled.

Dave

[deep]

You are kidding right!

Once the gun has been fired it does not matter what direction or speed the train is travelling. As soon as the gun is fired the bullit will travel in the aimed direction at the velocity it was intended to move.

In the case above the target would be it instantly. Once the gun is fired any connection to the speed or direction of the train is severed. To accept your theory, it would also follow that if the train were moving in the opposite direction that the gun was aimed and at twice the speed of the bullit, then the bullit would not leave the gun when the trigger was pulled.

Dave

I have to quote this, so you won't delete it from embarassment after thinking it through. If you don't believe little old me, maybe:

http://science.howstuffworks.com/question456.htm

...will sort you out.

[corrupt123]

ahahahah Deep's right. Rembrandt100 you just got owned.