PASCO EM-8661 Ring Launcher - Manual (Page 3)

R i n g L a u n c h e r E M - 8 6 6 1
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Background
The alternating current (AC) power source generates an alternat-
ing current in the copper coil of the launcher. The changing cur-
rent induces an alternating electromagnetic field. When a
conducting ring is on the Ring Launcher, the alternating electro-
magnetic field induces a current in the ring. The current in the
ring generates another electromagnetic field, opposed to the one
generated by the launcher. The magnetic repulsion between the
two fields pushes the ring upward.
Closed metal rings are conductors of electricity, and therefore
respond to the changing electromagnetic field. In the Split Alu-
minum Ring (part of the optional EM-8662 Ring Launcher
Accessory), the ring cannot conduct an electric current. The cir-
cuit is “open”. Without current, no electromagnetic repulsion
occurs, and the split aluminum ring is not pushed upward.
Experimental Variations and Notes
If desired, you can place the Ring Launcher in a horizontal or
angular launching position. Use the Rod Clamp on the back of
the launcher to mount the launcher on a support rod.
To show how the properties of the iron rod enhance the electro-
magnetic repulsion, attempt to launch a ring with the iron rod
removed. You will notice that the height of the launched ring is
about one half of the height reached when the iron rod is inserted
into the copper coil.
Try launching multiple rings simultaneously. The experimental
model changes, challenging students to think more deeply about
the concepts. The inductive effects occur within the closed rings,
and all other rings are pushed up by the induced rings.
Credit to the Originators of the Classroom
“Jumping Ring”
The PASCO EM-8661 Ring Launcher is modeled after the class-
room “jumping ring” designed by Carl S. Schneider and John P.
Ertel, Physics Department, United States Naval Academy,
Annapolis, Maryland, USA.
An article describing their design is available in the American
Journal of Physics, 66 (8), August 1998, pages 686 to 692.
Specifications
Technical Support
For assistance with any PASCO product, contact PASCO at:
For the latest information about the EM-8661 Ring Launcher, go
to the PASCO web site and enter EM-8661 in the Search window.
Limited Warranty For a description of the product warranty, see the
PASCO catalog.
Copyright
The PASCO scientific 012-07539B Ring Launcher Instruction
Sheet is copyrighted with all rights reserved. Permission is granted to
non-profit educational institutions for reproduction of any part of this man-
ual, providing the reproductions are used only in their laboratories and
classrooms, and are not sold for profit. Reproduction under any other cir-
cumstances, without the written consent of PASCO scientific, is prohibited.
Trademarks
PASCO and PASCO scientific are trademarks or registered
trademarks of PASCO scientific, in the United States and/or in other coun-
tries. All other brands, products, or service names are or may be trade-
marks or service marks of, and are used to identify, products or services
of, their respective owners. For more information visit
www.pasco.com/legal.
Product End of Life Disposal Information
This electronic product is subject to disposal and recycling regu-
lations that vary by country and region. It is your responsibility to
recycle your electronic equipment per your local environmental
laws and regulations to ensure that it will be recycled in a manner
that protects human health and the environment. To find out
where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling,
please contact your local waste recycle/disposal service, or the
product representative.
The European Union WEEE (Waste Electrical and
Electronic Equipment) symbol and on the product
or on its packaging indicates that this product must
not be disposed of in a standard waste container.
Launcher Dimensions 10 by 10 by 25 cm
Voltage 120 VAC
Fuse 8A, 250V, Type F
Maximum Temperature 60°C
Closed Aluminum Rings 2.5 cm ID, 2.5 cm length, 13.95 g
Address: PASCO scientific
10101 Foothills Blvd.
Roseville, CA 95747-7100
Phone: +1 916-786-3800 (worldwide)
800-772-8700 (U.S.)
Web: www.pasco.com
Email: [email protected]