Shoot the Target

The system is setup with a projectile launcher aimed at a target some distance away. When the ball is shot, it travels through a photogate which senses the interruption and releases the target. As both fall at the same rate the ball travels horizontally and hits the target in the air.

* Equipment seen in the video may vary from equipment used in ND Demonstrations. See information and images below for ND equipment and setup.

Notes:

Test this demonstration ahead of time to ensure the correct range is chosen. For a more satisfying time of flight of the projectile, a longer cable (20+ ft) will need to be used to attach the control box to the drop box.

Courses Used In:

• PHY 10111

• PHY 10310

• PHY 10410

• PHY 30210

Discussion and Polling Questions:

• (Before demo) In order to hit the target, where should we aim? Above, below, or on target?

  • • To really ask a trick question, don't explicitly mention the third option. If you'd like, go through the other two options first and show that they don't work. Then, you can propose the third option or someone in the class might figure it out by then as well.

• Do the masses of the objects matter?

• Does the initial velocity of the projectile affect whether or not it will hit?

  • • If so, how does it affect it?

    • If not, what does it affect?

• Where would we need to aim if the falling object starts falling before we launch the projectile? What about after?

Equipment Needed: (Shelf 13 drawer)

• Projectile Launcher with Laser Alignment

• Ball

• Control Box with Power Adapter

• Photogate with Cable

• Drop Box with Cable

• Target

• Foam Block

• Ram Rod

• Clamps

• Ring Stand