A 21 g bullet is accelerated in a rifle barrel 114 cm long to a speed of 1180 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.

12824.74 N

Explanation:

mass of bullet, m = 21 g = 0.021 kg

distance, s = 114 cm = 1.14 m

final velocity, v = 1180 m/s

initial velocity, u = 0

Let F be the force.

By use of work energy theorem

Work done = change in kinetic energy

F x s = 1/2 m v² - 1/2 mu²

F x 1.14 = 0.5 x 0.021 x 1180 x 1180

F = 12824.74 N