Mechanics: Howitzer and Tunnel

PIRA Class: 1D60.10

Purpose:
To demonstrate the independence of horizontal and vertical motion (also the principle of inertia)

Description:
A ball is fired vertically upward from a horizontally moving cart & subsequently falls back into the "muzzle".

1. Level track w/ index card shims. Level the launcher with adjustment screws on the sides so that ball fall directly back into launcher when the cart is still.

2. Mount ballistic assembly onto a dynamics cart and switch on photoelectric sensor.

3. Load ball into ballistic assembly.

4. Run the loaded cart down the track w/o and then w/ tunnels.

5. Optional: Predict and observe results when track is inclined so that cart is increasing or decreasing speed.

NOTE: Wipe down track and wheel grooves beforehand to minimize friction.

CAUTION: Have a student ready to catch cart at the opposite end of the track.

Equipment:
Ballistic cart and balls, tunnel, dynamics track

Location:
Shelf 112, dynamics track is shelf 117