
Mini Launcher
012-05479B
®
34
Experiment 9 (Demo): Simultaneously Shoot
Two Balls Horizontally at Different Speeds
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
– 2 Mini Launchers and 2 steel balls
Purpose
The purpose of this demonstration is to show that regardless of the initial speed of the balls launched
horizontally off a table, the balls will hit the floor at the same time.
Theory
Two balls are launched horizontally from the
same table (from the same height, y). The
muzzle speeds of the two balls are different.
The vertical and horizontal motions of a projec-
tile are independent of each other. The horizon-
tal distance, x, travelled by the ball is dependent
on the initial speed, v
0
, and is given by x = v
0
t,
where t is the time of flight. The time of flight
depends only on the vertical distance the ball
falls since
y = (1/2)gt
2
. Since the vertical distance is the
same for each ball, the time of flight must be the
same for each ball.
Setup
➀
Clamp two Mini Launchers adjacent to each other on a sturdy table. The Launchers should both be
aimed in the same direction, away from the table so the balls will land on the floor.
➁
Adjust the angle of each Mini Launcher to zero degrees so the balls will be shot horizontally off the
table.
Procedure
➀
Put a steel ball into each Mini Launcher and cock one Launcher to the short range position and cock the
other Launcher to the long range position.
➁
Ask the class to be quiet and listen for the balls striking the floor. Tell them if they hear only one click,
that means the balls hit the floor simultaneously.
➂
Put both lanyards in the same hand and pull them at the same time so the balls are launched simulta-
neously.
➃
After the balls hit the floor, ask the class if they heard one click or two.
y
x
short
x
long
v
0
(long)
v
0
(short)
Содержание MINI LAUNCHER ME-6825A
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