Ballistic Pendulum

Apparatus:
self-contained

Description:
Load the ball bearing into the firing mechanism, and fire. The bob is connectied to a ratchet and is prevented from falling. The bob stops at its turning point.

Apparatus:
projectile launcher, large ball bearing, projectile catcher, retort and table clamp

Description:
In this case, the projectile launcher and catcher are separate pieces, and so must be aligned. After alignment, load the projectile launcher set to medium or long range and fire. This pendulum will continue to swing until the energy is lost. A metre stick may be included for measurements.