The Mini Launcher launches metal spheres up to 2.0 m high to produce highly accurate and repeatable data for classroom projectile analysis.
See the Product Description for this item's included accessories.
See the Buying Guide for this item's required, recommended, and additional accessories.
Product Summary
PASCO’s Mini Launcher provides a low-cost method for every student to thoroughly investigate projectile motion. The Mini-Launcher has the same level of precision and accuracy as our larger Projectile Launcher (ME-6800), but is easier to assemble, simple to adjust, and provides built-in storage for the plunger and metal balls. With three, highly repeatable launch speeds, precise launch angle measurements, and the ability to shoot downward, the Mini Launcher enables students to explore projectiles through dynamic, hands-on inquiry.
This highly accurate launcher can be attached to a table using a standard C clamp. For more in-depth projectile studies, we recommend adding a Photogate Mounting Bracket and either a Smart Gate or Photogate Head. Additionally, the Time of Flight Accessory can be added to measure the total time the projectile is in the air.
The included 2D Collision Accessory holds the second ball at an angle so the launched ball strikes it when it comes out of the barrel. Both balls fly out and hit the table. By measuring where they land, students can calculate that momentum is conserved in two dimensions.
Features
- Versatile Stand: Offers several different mounting configurations that are ideal for tabletop projectile experiments
- Scale and Plumb Bob: Measures from −45° to +90°
- 3 Launch Ranges: Provides 0.5 m, 1.0 m and 2.0 m ranges
- Magnetic Piston: Holds ball in place while launching from downward angles
- Steel Balls: 1.6 cm diameter
- Easily mounted using a rod and clamp
Perform These Experiments
- Projectile Motion
- Projectile Motion using Photogates
- Projectile Range versus Angle
- Projectile Path
- Conservation of Energy
- Conservation of Momentum in Two Dimensions
- Varying Angle to Maximize Height on a Wall
- Demo: Do 30° and 60° Launches Have the Same Range?
- Demo: Shoot Two Balls Horizontally at Different Speeds
- Demo: Shooting through Hoops
What's Included
- 1x Launcher Base
- 1x Loading Rod
- 1x 2-D Collision Accessory
- 2x Steel Ball Projectile, 16 mm
- 1x Polycarbonate Safety Glasses
- 1x Manual
- 1x Mini Launcher
Product Specifications
| Range | 0.5, 1, 2 m |
| Launch Angle | 0 to +90° and 0 to −45° |
| Launcher Length | 18 cm |
Buying Guide
| Recommended Accessories | P/N | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Photogate Mounting Bracket | ME-6821A | -- |
| Wireless Smart Gate | PS-3225 | -- |
| Time-of-Flight Accessory | ME-6810A | -- |
| Mini Ballistic Pendulum Accessory | ME-6829 | -- |
| Carbon Paper (100 Sheets) | SE-8693 | -- |
| Replacement Parts | P/N | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Small Steel Balls (10 Pack) | ME-9872 | -- |
| Mini Launcher Spares Kit | ME-6824 | -- |
| Replacement Plumb Bobs (12 Pack) | ME-9868A | -- |
Product Guides & Articles
Projectile Launchers & Ballistics
PASCO’s Projectile Launchers provide an exciting, hands-on method for students to experiment with projectile motion. Each of our affordable launchers is precision engineered to produce highly accurate and repeatable results with every launch. This page compares capabilities, size, and applications for our Projectile Launchers and Ballistics.
AP Physics 1 Lab Manual Overview
Authored by physics educators, the Advanced Physics 1 Lab Manual, includes fifteen guided inquiry labs that cover AP Physics 1 topics such as kinematics and dynamics, circular motion and gravitation, energy and momentum, torque, and rotational motion.
Experiment Library
Perform the following experiments and more with the Mini Launcher.
Visit PASCO's Experiment Library to view more activities.
Two Dimensional Motion: Projectiles
In this lab, students use a photogate and mini launcher to measure the variables that affect the two-dimensional motion of a projectile launched horizontally, and then use those variables to accurately predict and test the projectile's...
Projectile Range vs. Launch Angle
Students use a Mini Launcher to measure the range of a projectile on a horizontal surface for various angles. The average range is calculated for each angle, and average range vs. angle is graphed. A user-defined curve fit is...
Ballistic Pendulum
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.
Time of Flight Versus Initial Speed
The purpose of this experiment is to determine whether time of flight of a ball launched horizontally off a table remains constant as the initial launch speed is changed.
Horizontal Distance of a Projectile
The purpose of this experiment is to use the initial speed and the time of flight to predict the horizontal distance traveled by a ball shot from a table at an angle.
Projectile Motion
Use photogates to measure time of flight and the initial launch velocity of the ball and predict the range fired at an angle off the table onto the floor. Also, find the maximum range as a function of angle.
Ballistic Pendulum
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.
Horizontal Speed of a Projectile
The purpose of this lab is to determine whether the horizontal velocity of a projectile is constant throughout its flight.
Two-Dimensional Motion: Projectiles
Students use a photogate and mini launcher to measure the variables that affect the two-dimensional motion of a projectile launched horizontally, and then use those variables to accurately predict and test the projectile's horizontal...
Ballistic Pendulum - Wireless
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.
Projectile against Wall
A ball is fired towards a wall at a fixed distance away. At what angle should the ball be launched so that it hits the wall at the highest location?
Support Documents
| Manuals | ||
|---|---|---|
| Mini Launcher Manual - ME-6825B | English - 2.19 MB | |
| Replacement Plumb Bobs Manual | English - 165.81 KB | |
| Knowledge Base | ||
| Launcher launching on its own | Dec 7th, 2023 | |
| String on launcher plumb bob broke | Oct 6th, 2022 | |
