Emily uses a rifle to shoot a bullet at a target. The bullet has a mass of 13 grams. The rifle has a mass of 3,500 grams. When she shoots, the bullet accelerates 850 m/s2. According to Newton's third law of motion, the bullet is exerting the same force on the rifle. Why doesn't the rifle accelerate 850 m/s2?

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Jacob

10 November, 22:29

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Anika Bradley · Answer 1

Because its mass is much larger than the bullet. Also she holds the gun and so her mass is added to it.