Question

A bullet loses 1,/20 of its velocity in passing through a plank . What are the least number of planks to stop it

Answer 1

Let the thickness of one plank = d
and the acceleration provided by the plank = a

v^2 = vo^2 + 2ad
If n planks are required to stop the bullet, then
0^2 = vo^2 + 2a*nd
2and = -vo^2
n = vo^2/(-2ad) -----------------(1)

v = vo - vo/20 = 19 vo/20 in passing through one plank
(19 vo/20)^2 = vo^2 + 2ad
361/400 * vo^2 = vo^2 + 2ad
-2ad = vo^2(1 - 361/400) 
-2ad = vo^2 * 39/400

Substituting this value of -2ad into equation (1):
n = vo^2/(vo^2 * 39/400) = 400/39 
The minimum number of planks needed = smallest integer greater than 400/39 = 11
Ans: 11