3 ms·
For physics nerds: momentum is mv, kinetic energy is 1/2mv^2. Upon firing, the chemical energy of the powder is converted to kinetic energy in the bullet. Whe
by nostrademons 6y ago
For physics nerds: momentum is mv, kinetic energy is 1/2mv^2. Upon firing, the chemical energy of the powder is converted to kinetic energy in the bullet. When the bullet hits the target kinetic energy is converted to tissue damage. More powder = more kinetic energy = more damage. Heavier bullet = more momentum = more recoil. That's why the Glock has so much more kick, while the AR-15 has more penetrating power and range. There are also pretty massive differences in the aerodynamics of the bullet, which probably helps the AR-15's range a lot:
https://qph.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-ab7ec2e9df26a1afc268032e6ddd41ab https://qph.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-ab7ec2e9df26a1afc26803...
- ric2b 6y ago> Heavier bullet = more momentum = more recoil. But if you have the same amount of powder (chemical energy) a heavier bullet will simply move slower, resulting in the same momentum and recoil. What makes the AR-15 easier to handle is that the gun itself is heavier, so it moves slower from the recoil. That and a few other things like dissipating the energy over a large area on your shoulder instead of the palm of your hand.
- ubermonkey 6y agoMy understanding is that there's also some clever gunsmithing involved to help reduce felt recoil there as well, but I'm not an authority in any way.