Measure. Analyze. Learn.
Hi, I'm Matt. The Independence of Motion Accessory is
a great way for students to get hands on experience
with that classic thought experiment of, "What would happen
if you were to fire a bullet horizontally, at the same time as
a bullet was dropped from the same height?"
Included in the kit is a barrel which attaches to the
projectile launcher, and a set of projectiles in steel,
one is drilled, and one is smooth.
There's also a lower mass set in plastic.
Required, but not included, is the Vernier Projectile Launcher.
And, you may also wish to consider the Projectile Stop,
which assists in gathering launched projectiles.
Before beginning the experiment, let's don our safety glasses,
and check the chamber of the launcher to make sure it's empty.
Then we can insert the barrel into the launcher,
pressing gently but firmly until it stops.
Secure the barrel with the cotter pin.
And, use the built in level to adjust the barrel,
and ensure you will be firing the projectile horizontally.
The solid projectile goes in the end of the barrel,
pushing out a pin, which is used to install the drilled projectile.
Position the projectile stop, just beyond the point
where you think the projectiles will land.
Now, we're ready to charge the projectile launcher.
And, before you fire, remember you do need to
power the projectile launcher.
One option is to use a LabQuest power supply as you see here.
Another option is to use any Vernier interface,
plugged in to the interface port.
I'll hold down the "Arm" button.
And remember, when I launch, you're listening to hear
whether the two projectiles land at the same time.
Ready?
That sounded pretty close.
But, you may have some student that aren't quite convinced yet.
Some extensions you can use is to adjust the height
from which you launch the projectiles.
You can simply move the projectile launcher
to the edge of a table.
Or, you can raise the projectile launcher
to get even more height.
Another option for further exploration is to adjust
the range setting on the projectile launcher,
which will adjust the initial horizontal velocity
of the launched ball.
Remember, you have two different materials
you can experiment with.
The plastic projectiles are of much lower mass.
And finally, you may ask students to explore,
"What will happen if you adjust
the launch angle on the projectile launcher?"
For more ideas on how to use the
Independence of Motion Accessory
please check out our website.