PASCO ME-6814 Mini Catcher Accessory - Manual (Page 9)

012-06293A Mini Catcher Accessory
5
➁ Adjust the angle of the Mini Launcher to zero degrees so the ball will be shot off horizon-
tally, away from the table onto the floor.
Procedure
➀
Using the pushrod that came with the Mini Launcher, put the steel ball into the Mini Launcher
and cock it in the long range position (three clicks).
➁ Fire one shot to locate where the ball hits the floor. At this position, tape a piece of white paper
to the floor. Place a piece of carbon paper (carbon-side down) on top of this paper and tape it
down. When the ball hits the floor, it will leave a mark on the white paper.
➂
Fire about ten more shots.
➃ Using a plumb bob as an aid, measure the vertical distance from the bottom of the ball as it
leaves the barrel (this position is marked on the side of the barrel) to the floor. Record this
distance in Table 1.1.
Find the point on the floor that is directly beneath the release point on the barrel. Measure the
horizontal distance along the floor from the release point to the leading edge of the paper.
Record in Table 1.1.
Measure from the leading edge of the paper to each of the ten dots and record these distances in
Table 1.1.
➄
Find the average of the ten distances and record in Table 1.1.
➅
Using the vertical distance and the average horizontal distance, calculate the time of flight and
the initial velocity of the ball.
➆
Record your data in Table 1.1 and Table
1.4.
Table 1.1 Determining the Initial Velocity
Vertical distance (y) = ______________.
Horizontal distance to paper edge = ____________.
Initial velocity (v
0
)= _______________.
➤ Important! Never look down the barrel of the Mini Launcher. You can tell whether the
Mini Launcher is loaded by looking at the viewing window located on the top front of the
barrel. If the window is clear, the Mini Launcher is loaded. If in doubt, place your hand
over the muzzle and pull the trigger.