Basic Idea:

• Measure the initial kinetic energy, and final potential energy of a projectile launched vertically.

	What:	How Many:	Where:
	Pasco Projectile Guns	1	non-Majors storeroom, shelf F3
	Projectiles	Place entire box on instructors bench	non-Majors storeroom, shelf F3
	Ram rod	1	non-Majors storeroom, shelf F3
	Photgate mounting bracket for Pasco Projectile Guns	1	non-Majors storeroom, shelf F3
	Photogates	1	non-Majors storeroom, BB3
	Vernier calipers	1	non-Majors storeroom, shelf BB3
	Large bench clamps	2	non-Majors storeroom, shelf C4
	2 m Metersticks	1	non-Majors storeroom, shelf AA1
	Meterstick calipers	1	non-Majors storeroom, shelf H3
	2 kg Mass	2	non-Majors storeroom, shelf J4

Computers Needed?

• No.

• Lab Setup (see this page for photo details):

  

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• Setup (place 2 m stick in clamp; attach single photogate to bracket; leave rest of equipment on lab bench). Note: don't attach bench clamp so that projectile will be aimed at a light fixture on the ceiling!!

  

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• Connecting photogate mounting bracket to Pasco Projectile Gun; note that only a single photogate is attached to the bracket in this experiment!:

  

  Image scanned from PASCO Scientific instruction manual.

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• Guns must be used in short range only (anything greater will hit the ceiling).

• Use caution when firing the guns!

• Don't use excessive force when clamping the meter stick to the bench.