Jenica Patricia D. Tantuan Professor Angelbert Morales EXPERIMENT 7 PROJECTILE MOTION: THE BALLISTIC PENDELUM I.

Abstract

September 09, 2013 September 17, 2013

This experiment investigates conservation of energy and momentum as it applies to the Ballistic pendulum. Using these principles, we will measure the speed of a horizontally fired projectile in sensible ways. The equations describing the motion of a point object in two dimensions under the influence of gravity can be used to analyze a projectile motion. In this experiment the initial velocity of a projectile will be determined using two different methods: from the range-fall measurements; from the momentum conservation law. The results of these two methods will then be compared and the percent difference will be calculated. The difference, if any, should be carefully explained showing thoughtful analysis and thorough thinking. After performing the experiment and analyzing the data you will be able to: Explain the concept and use of conservation of energy and momentum and be able to discriminate between them. Apply the independence of horizontal and vertical motions of a projectile to solve problems. Evaluate the accuracy of two independent methods for measuring the initial velocity of a projectile. Make inferences about the origin/cause of any difference in the calculated initial velocity of the projectile; analyze the methods and deduce how you can use the experiment to determine the energy lost during collision in forms of heat. Write a comprehensive report on the method and results of the experiment. II. Data and Results Range Experimental 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Average Calculated

III. Analysis and Interpretation There are two parts to this calculation. First the ball hits and sticks to the pendulum. This is an inelastic collision, by definition. Momentum will be conserved during the collision because external forces are negligible. IV. Conclusion Ballistic pendulum is a device for measuring a bullet's momentum, from which it is possible to calculate the velocity and kinetic energy. Ballistic pendulums have been largely rendered obsolete by modern chronographs, which allow direct measurement of the projectile velocity. Although the ballistic pendulum is considered obsolete, it remained in use for a significant length of time and led to great advances in the science of ballistics. The ballistic pendulum is still found in physics classrooms today, because of its simplicity and usefulness in demonstrating properties of momentum and energy. Unlike other methods of measuring the speed of a bullet, the basic calculations for a ballistic pendulum do not require any measurement of time, but rely only on measures of mass and distance. In addition its primary uses of measuring the velocity of a projectile or the recoil of a gun, the ballistic pendulum can be used to measure any transfer of momentum

V. Guide Questions 1. What effect does the force of gravity have on the horizontal velocity of the projectile? There is none. The force due to gravity is in the vertical direction and cannot apply any force horizontally to a projectile. So if you launched a bowling ball from a cliff at 10 m/s horizontally, it will hit the ground seconds later, but it will still be moving in the horizontal direction at 10 m/s, it will, however have a larger than original vertical velocity. 2. What is the range of a projectile? In physics, assuming a flat Earth with a uniform gravity field, and no air resistance, a projectile launched with specific initial conditions will have a predictable range. 3. After the projectile leaves the gun, what are the accelerations in the x and y directions?

4. How is the location where the ball strikes the floor determined?

5. Theoretically, at what angle of projection is the range a maximum?

VI. References "Ballistic pendulum". Encyclopdia Britannica. Benjamin Robins, James Wilson, Charles Hutton (1805). New Principles of Gunnery. F. Wingrave. "Chronograph". Encyclopdia Britannica, 11th Ed (1911).