Ballistic Pendulum Tester – Projectile Velocity & Conservation of Momentum Physics Apparatus for Advanced Mechanics Labs

Ballistic Pendulum Tester – Measure Projectile Velocity with Momentum & Energy Conservation

The Sci-Supply Ballistic Pendulum Tester is a classic upper-level physics apparatus used to determine the velocity of a projectile using conservation of momentum and conservation of mechanical energy.

This advanced mechanics experiment allows students to:

• Determine projectile velocity from recoil angle measurements
• Apply conservation of linear momentum during collision
• Apply conservation of energy during pendulum swing
• Independently verify velocity using projectile range analysis
• Calculate percent energy loss in an inelastic collision

What Students Investigate

Using a spring-loaded steel ball launcher and pendulum arm, students measure the recoil angle after impact. From this data, they:

1. Determine the center of mass location

2. Calculate height change of the pendulum

3. Compute recoil velocity

4. Solve for initial projectile velocity

5. Compare with horizontal range-based velocity measurement

6. Analyze percent difference and uncertainty

The apparatus reinforces key mechanics concepts including:

• Inelastic collisions

• Momentum transfer

• Energy transformation

• Projectile motion

• Measurement uncertainty

• Percent difference and error analysis

Lab Capabilities

✔ Three selectable launch ranges
✔ Angle indicator for recoil measurement
✔ Pivoting pendulum arm with steel ball catcher
✔ Designed for repeatable, multi-trial data collection
✔ Suitable for AP Physics, Honors Physics, and Introductory College Mechanics

Students verify whether mechanical energy is conserved and determine the percentage of kinetic energy lost during collision — a powerful real-world example of non-elastic interactions.

Safety & Classroom Use

The spring-loaded launcher fires a steel ball at high velocity. Proper lab safety procedures must be followed:

• Never look down the barrel

• Do not leave apparatus cocked

• Secure base firmly before firing

• Wear appropriate eye protection

Ideal For

• AP Physics
• Honors Physics
• College General Physics
• Engineering Mechanics
• STEM Labs
• Advanced Physical Science

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