PASCO ME-6829 Mini Launcher Ballistic Pendulum - Manual (Page 7)

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M o d e l N o . M E - 6 8 2 9 E x p e r i m e n t 1 : I n e l a s t i c C o l l i s i o n s
7
Experiment 1: Inelastic Collisions
Experiment Set-up
Set up the equipment and software as described on pages 4–6 with the pendulum rod
attached to the RMS at the center hole and the catcher side of the pendulum facing the
launcher. Place the counterweight on the pendulum rod midway between the RMS
shaft and the top end of the rod. Attach the ballast mass to the bottom of the catcher.
Figure 1.1: Set-up for Part A
Part A: Completely Inelastic Collision (Ball Catch)
1. Load the launcher and push the ball in to the first (slowest) position.
2. Start data collection.
3. Pull the trigger to launch the ball so it is caught by the pendulum.
4. After the pendulum has swung out and back, stop collection.
5. Record the maximum angular displacement of the pendulum here. ___________
Counterweight
Catcher
side
Ballast
mass
Maximum displacement
Figure 1.2: Typical data