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Effect of the length of a gun barrel



Regarding the effect of the length of a gun barrel on the velocity of
the emerging bullet, I believe that I saw an article in _The Physics
Teacher_ on this subject. The article would have been published in the
last few years.

According to my recollection, the longer the gun barrel the faster the
bullet -- to a point. As the length increases, the frictional forces
present would eventually exceed the pushing forces of the gases. Given
a long enough barrel, the bullet would not emerge. Theoretically there
is a somewhat shorter length such that you could stand in front of the
gun, fire the bullet, and it would bounce off of you.

I assume no liability for anyone who wants to verfity this by an actual
experiment. And warn your kids not to try it at home.

Ken Kiehlbauch
Faith Academy
Manila, Philippines