PASCO ME-6831 Ballistic Pendulum_Projectile Launcher - Manual (Page 7)

®
M o d e l N o . M E - 6 8 3 0 , M E - 6 8 3 1 I n t r o d u c t i o n
0 1 2 - 0 5 3 7 5 C 3
• Variable-Mass Pendulum: The pendulum includes masses that can be removed so that the pendulum can be
used with lightweight balls over a wide range of speeds. Leave the masses on the pendulum when you use
heavyweight balls.
The features of the Projectile Launcher include:
• Launch at Any Angle: Balls can be launched from any angle from zero to ninety degrees measured from hor-
izontal (zero degrees). The angle is easily adjusted using thumbscrews and the built-in protractor and
plumb-bob give an accurate way to measure the angle of inclination.
• Three Range Settings: Each version of Projectile Launchers has three range settings. The Short Range Pro-
jectile Launcher ranges are approximately 1.2 m, 3 m, and 5 m when the launch angle is 45°. (The Long
Range Projectile Launcher ranges are approximately 2.5 m, 5 m, and 8 m. The Long Range Launcher has a
stronger spring and is useful for large classroom demonstrations.)
• Fixed Elevation Independent of Launch Angle: The Projectile Launcher can pivot at the muzzle end so the
elevation of the ball as it leaves the barrel does not change as the angle is varied. The upright part of the Bal-
listic Pendulum base has three positions for mounting the Launcher. At the top is a hole and curved slot for
use when you want to change the launch angle. The vertical slots let you mount the Launcher horizontally at
different heights so you can fire a ball into targets such as a ball catcher on a PASCO Cart on a track. At the
bottom are two holes for use when you want to fire a ball horizontally into the Ballistic Pendulum.
• Repeatable Results: The piston keeps the ball from rubbing on the inside of the barrel as it travels so there is
no spin on the ball as it launches. When the base is secured to a table with a C-clamp, there is very little recoil.
The trigger is pulled with a string to minimize jerking.
• Barrel Sights and Safety Precautions: There are sites built-in to the barrel for
aiming the Projectile Launcher. View the sites by looking through the back end
of the barrel. WARNING: Never look down the front of the barrel because it
may be loaded. Safety glasses are provided, so use them. Look for the yellow
indicator through any of the five slots on the top of the barrel because the yel-
low indicator shows the position of the piston. If the indicator is between the
first and second slots (relative to the muzzle end), the piston is not cocked.
• Computer Compatible: One or two photogates can be attached to the Projec-
tile Launcher using the ME-6821A Photogate Mounting Bracket. When used
with a PASCO interface and data acquisition software, the photogates can mea-
sure the muzzle speed of the ball. Use a photogate and the ME-6810 Time of Flight Accessory to measure the
time of flight of the ball
• Compact Storage: When the barrel of the Launcher is aligned vertically with the base, the Launcher takes up
minimal space. The included ramrod and the Ballistic Pendulum base have hook-and-pile material that allows
the ramrod to be stored on the base.
Wear Safety Glasses