Experiment 1: inelastic collisions, Experiment set-up – PASCO ME-6829 Mini Launcher Ballistic Pendulum User Manual

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M o d e l N o . M E - 6 8 2 9

E x p e r i m e n t 1 : I n e l a s t i c C o l l i s i o n s

Experiment 1: Inelastic Collisions

Experiment Set-up

Set up the equipment and software as described on pages 4–6 with the pendulum rod
attached to the RMS at the center hole and the catcher side of the pendulum facing the
launcher. Place the counterweight on the pendulum rod midway between the RMS
shaft and the top end of the rod. Attach the ballast mass to the bottom of the catcher.

Figure 1.1: Set-up for Part A

Part A: Completely Inelastic Collision (Ball Catch)

Load the launcher and push the ball in to the first (slowest) position.

Start data collection.

Pull the trigger to launch the ball so it is caught by the pendulum.

After the pendulum has swung out and back, stop collection.

Record the maximum angular displacement of the pendulum here. ___________

Counterweight

Catcher

side

Ballast

mass

Maximum displacement

Figure 1.2: Typical data