Many people are familiar with the fact that a rifle recoils when fired. This recoil is the result of

action-reaction force pairs. A gunpowder explosion creates hot gases which expand outward

allowing the rifle to push forward on the bullet. Consistent with Newton's third law of motion,

the bullet pushes backwards upon the rifle. The acceleration of the recoiling rifle is ...

A. greater than the acceleration of the bullet.

B. smaller than the acceleration of the bullet.

Or

C. the same size as the acceleration of the bullet.

Explain your answer.

Question

Kelly Kemp

Physics

16 December, 06:36

Many people are familiar with the fact that a rifle recoils when fired. This recoil is the result of

action-reaction force pairs. A gunpowder explosion creates hot gases which expand outward

allowing the rifle to push forward on the bullet. Consistent with Newton's third law of motion,

the bullet pushes backwards upon the rifle. The acceleration of the recoiling rifle is ...

A. greater than the acceleration of the bullet.

B. smaller than the acceleration of the bullet.

Or

C. the same size as the acceleration of the bullet.

Explain your answer.

+2

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Karlee Wade · Answer 1

Answer: b

The force on the rifle equals the force on the bullet. Yet, acceleration depends on both force and mass. The bullet has a greater acceleration due to the fact that it has a smaller mass. Remember: acceleration and mass are inversely proportional