Product Summary
PASCO’s Rotary Motion Sensor is the heart of this modern approach to a classic physics experiment. The Mini Launcher (ME-6825B) fires a steel ball into the foam catcher of the Ballistic Pendulum Accessory (ME-6829) mounted on the Rotary Motion Sensor. The Rotary Motion Sensor measures the angular displacement of the pendulum and it is plotted in real-time in PASCO Capstone.
There is no need to catch the pendulum at its maximum height because the angle is continuously measured. Using the analysis tools in PASCO Capstone, students can find the maximum angle.
Using Conservation of Momentum and Conservation of Energy, students can determine the initial speed of the ball as it leaves the projectile launcher. The initial speed of the ball is confirmed by using two photogates to time the flight of the ball for a short distance.
Features
- Modern approach to a classic experiment
- View graph of entire pendulum swing
Concepts
- Conservation of momentum
- Conservation of energy
What's Included
Data Collection Software
This product requires PASCO software for data collection and analysis. We recommend the following option(s). For more information on which is right for your classroom, see our Software Comparison: SPARKvue vs. Capstone »
Interface Required
This product requires a PASCO Interface to connect to your computer or device. We recommend the following option(s). For a breakdown of features, capabilities, and additional options, see our Interface Comparison Guide »
Experiments
Experiment Library
Perform the following experiments and more with the Ballistic Pendulum Experiment.
Visit PASCO's Experiment Library to view more activities.
College / Physics
A ballistic pendulum is used to determine the muzzle velocity of a ball shot out of a Projectile Launcher. The laws of conservation of momentum and conservation of energy are used to derive the equation for the muzzle velocity.
