Ballistic Pendulum/Projectile Motion

PHY 200 & 230

Based on Loyd #13. In this experiment, the students will use a ballistic pendulum apparatus to measure the velocity of a projectile. The projectile will be fired into a stationary pendulum and fired horizontally as a free projectile. From this, the students will determine the initial velocities of both projectile and pendulum + projectile, the loss of KE in the collision with the pendulum, and the initial velocity of the free projectile.

Equipment

Notes

Ensure/test the pendulum will work 3-5 times in a row. This means that the pendulum must catch the ball and move up the incline and grab. Also, place large wooden boards at the aisle end of each lab bench. Leave the box of carbon paper on the lab instructor's lab bench.

Make sure that the room has plenty of paper.