Chapter 3, Problem 12Q

Solution

To Determine:

To Explain: The pilot could catch a bullet with his bare hands.

Solution:

The vertical component of velocity was reduced by gravity and air resistance and the horizontal speed component was reduced by the air resistance.

Explanation:

It is given that the pilot catches the bullet at an altitude of 2 km. It is a considerable height.

Consider, bullet is fired from the ground. It will under go projectile motion. There are two components of velocity: horizontal and vertical. In presence of air resistance, the velocity would reduce considerably because air resistance increases with increase in velocity. Also, in the vertical direction, the acceleration due to gravity always acts downwards which further reduces the vertical component of velocity. Thus, it can be possible for the pilot to catch the bullet with his bare hands.