Chapter 9, Problem 51P

GO In Fig. 9-58«, a 3.50 g bullet is fired horizontally at two blocks at rest on a frictionless table. The bullet passes through block 1 (mass 1.20 kg) and embeds itself in block 2 (mass 1.80 kg). The blocks end up with speeds v₁ = 0.630 m/s and v₂ = 1.40 m/s (Fig. 9-58ɓ). Neglecting the material removed from block 1 by the bullet, find the speed of the bullet as it (a) leaves and (b) enters block 1.

Figure 9-58 Problem 51.