conceptual physics

if a man firmly holds a gun when fired then the momentum of the bullet is equal to the recoil momentum of the
a. gun alone b.gun-man system c.man alone

Question

conceptual physics

if a man firmly holds a gun  when fired then the momentum of the bullet is equal to the recoil momentum of the
a. gun alone b.gun-man system c.man alone

anonymous · Answer

i think b.

anonymous · Answer

Momentum is conserved. Before the gun is fired there is no momentum. After it is fired the bullet has momentum in whichever direction it was fired. In the opposite direction the gun has momentum and also the man's hand and arm has some too. So (b) is correct. If you trade up from a handgun to a great big shotgun held against your shoulder, you will see that the shooter's body receives a kickback that is more appreciable. Momentum is the reason that rifles have butts. ;-)