Physics Lab Report 5, Lab Reports of Physics

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Ballistic Pendulum

Ishani Harris @ Lab Partner: Aniya Anderson Howard University Physics 1 Lab Section 10 Prof. Aaron Conard 09/29/

Conservation of Momentum Objective: To study the conservation of energy and momentum using projectile motion. Theory: The ballistic pendulum is a wonderful way of demonstrating both the constant horizontal velocity in projectile motion and the conservation of momentum. Because there is no acceleration in the horizontal direction, the horizontal component vx of the projectile’s velocity remains unchanged from its initial value throughout the motion. In a closed isolated system if no net external force acts on a system of particles, the total linear momentum of the system cannot change. There are two simple types of collisions, elastic and inelastic. If the total kinetic energy of the two systems is conserved then the collision is known as elastic. If the kinetic energy is not conserved then the collision is inelastic. Apparatus: PASCO Ballistic pendulum, meter stick, level, carbon paper, sheet of white paper, plumb bob, clamp. Procedure: Warning: Do not under any circumstance look into the barrel of the launcher. The people carrying out the experiment should wear safety goggles at all times. Part 1: Projectile Motion – The goal is to determine the initial velocity vx of the ball

1. Make sure the pendulum is secured by the clamp and does not slide on the table.
2. Lift the pendulum arm until it is fully horizontal so that the ball can freely fire from the spring gun.
3. Set the apparatus near the edge of a table and level the apparatus. If the plump bob is fully vertical and overlapping with the 0 degree line it means it is properly leveled. To secure the apparatus, make sure the clamp is properly positioned and tightened and the apparatus does not slide on the table.

1. Calculate the kinetic energy of the ball before impact and the kinetic energy of the ball and pendulum after the collision.
2. Compare the quantities and explain any discrepancies. Figure 1. Trajectories for Part 1 (top) and Part 2 (below) Results: Ball Mass :28.58g Pendulum Mass: 248g Part 1-Projectile Motion
3. Medium Range: 160 cm
4. Medium Range: 164 cm
5. Medium Range: 159 cm Vx=(√g/2*H) x Vx=(√9.8m/s^2/ 2 Part 2-pendulum
6. Angle 27 degrees