PURPOSE: To demonstrate the independence of velocity components in a dramatic way.
DESCRIPTION: A ball is placed in the launcher and the system is cocked by compressing a spring. A mass on a string passing over a pulley is attached to the howitzer cart, and the cart released so that it accelerates across the track. At a certain point a sensor trips the spring trigger ejecting the ball vertically. Due to the acceleration of the cart, the ball falls behind the howitzer.
Before doing the experiment, ask your students where the ball will fall: in front, behind, or in the cart.
SUGGESTIONS: Use this demonstration with 1D60.10: HOWITZER CART,and 1D60.15: HOWITZER CART ON INCLINE.
EQUIPMENT: Howitzer cart with ball on dynamics track, mass on string passing over pulley, as photographed.
SETUP TIME: 5 Min.
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