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Group # 1:
Muhammad Zubair Mongol 230101017
Maheera Fatima 230101003
Mahnoor Naseer 230101007
Jalwa Waid 230101013
Ahmed Bilal 230101015
Fakhr e Alam 230101001
Adnan Ali 230101009
Areesha Rehman 230101041

Date # December 7, 2023

Experiment # Ballistic Pendulum
Report # 03
Submitted to: Mr. Shujah
Table of Contents
1. Objective of the Experiment: .................................................................................................................... 2
1.01 Understanding:.................................................................................................................................. 2
1.02 Applying: ........................................................................................................................................... 2
1.03 Analyzing: .......................................................................................................................................... 2
1.04 Evaluating: ......................................................................................................................................... 2
2. Introduction: ............................................................................................................................................. 3
2.01 Theoretical Work: .............................................................................................................................. 3
2.02 Formulas to Use: ............................................................................................................................... 3
2.03 Apparatus: ......................................................................................................................................... 4
3. Experimental Method: .............................................................................................................................. 5
3.01 Setup and Procedure:........................................................................................................................ 5
3.01a Setup: .......................................................................................................................................... 5
3.01b Procedure: ................................................................................................................................... 6
4. Analysis of Obtained Data: ........................................................................................................................ 6
4.01 Data and Calculations: ...................................................................................................................... 7
Calculations: .......................................................................................................................................... 7
4.01a Table: ........................................................................................................................................... 7
4.01b Graphs: ........................................................................................................................................ 7
4.02 Results: .............................................................................................................................................. 9
4.03 Comparison Between Theoretical Vs Experimental Results (Conclusion): ....................................... 9
4.04 Answer to the Objective Questions: ................................................................................................. 9
5. Final Analysis: .......................................................................................................................................... 10
5.01 Resulting Errors & Suggestions for Improving Experiment for Future Performers: ........................ 10
5.02 Limitations & Their Impact:............................................................................................................. 10
5.03 Success Rate of Experiment: ........................................................................................................... 10
5.04 Aim of the Experiment: ................................................................................................................... 10
6. Future Use of Technology: ...................................................................................................................... 10
1. Objective of the Experiment:
1.01 Understanding:
How does the rotary motion sensor measure the angular displacement of the pendulum?

1.02 Applying:
How can you use the PASCO Capstone software to find the maximum angle of the pendulum?

1.03 Analyzing:
How does the initial speed of the ball affect the angular displacement of the pendulum?

1.04 Evaluating:
How accurate and reliable is the experiment in determining the muzzle velocity of the projectile?
2. Introduction:
A ballistic pendulum is used to determine the muzzle velocity of a ball shot out of a Projectile Launcher.
The laws of conservation of momentum and conservation of energy are used to derive the equation for the
muzzle velocity.

2.01 Theoretical Work:

A device that has been used to measure the speed of fast-moving projectiles is the ballistic pendulum.
This device consists of a launcher that shoots a steel ball (with mass 𝑚𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙 at a launch velocity 𝑣0. The ball
is captured by a pendulum with mass 𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑑 . The pendulum and the ball form a system that gains
momentum from the collision. The system swings up freely, lifting its center of mass by a height h. The
pendulum rod is thin and hollow, so most of the mass is at the end, making it a simple pendulum.

During the collision between the ball and the catcher, the total momentum of the system is conserved,
expressed as:
𝑚𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑣0 = 𝑀𝜈
Here, v is the speed of the catcher-ball system just after the collision, and
𝑀 = 𝑚𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙 + 𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑑
While some of the ball's initial kinetic energy is converted into thermal energy during the collision, after
the collision, as the pendulum swings freely upwards, it is assumed that energy is conserved. All kinetic
energy of the catcher-ball system is converted into the increase in gravitational potential energy:
1⁄ 𝑀𝑣 2 = 𝑀𝑔ℎ = 𝑀𝑔𝐿(1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃)
2

Where g = 9.8m/s^2 is the vertical rise of the center of mass of the pendulum-ball system.

Combining equations (1) through (3) to eliminate v yields:

 𝑚𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙 − 𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑑
𝑣𝑜 = (2𝑔ℎ)0.5
𝑚𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙
And we do know that:

ℎ = 𝐿(1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃)
Here, L is the distance between the center of mass and the axis around which the rod rotates, and \(\theta\)
is the angle the rod rotates through before stopping.

2.02 Formulas to Use:

• 𝑚𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑣0 = 𝑀𝜈

• 𝑀 = 𝑚𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙 + 𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑑

• 1⁄ 𝑀𝑣 2 = 𝑀𝑔ℎ = 𝑀𝑔𝐿(1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃)

2
• 𝑣𝑜 =
𝑚𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙 −𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑑
𝑚𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙
(2𝑔ℎ)0.5

• ℎ = 𝐿(1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃)

2.03 Apparatus:
The equipment list includes various components for experimental purposes. Among them are a Rotary
Motion Sensor (PS-2120) with a quantity of 1, Mini Launcher (ME-6825A) with 2 units, Photogate Heads
(ME-9498A) totaling 1, and a Photogate Mounting Bracket (ME-6821A) with a quantity of 1.
Additionally, there is a Mini Launcher Ballistic Pendulum (ME-6829) and a 45 cm Steel Rod (ME-8736),
both with a quantity of 1. The list also features a Large C Clamp (ME-7285), of which only 1 is required.
Not included but deemed essential are the 850 Universal Interface (UI-5000) with a quantity of 1 and the
PASCO Capstone (UI-5400), also with a quantity of 1. These items collectively contribute to a
comprehensive set of equipment for the intended experimental setup.

3. Experimental Method:

3.01 Setup and Procedure:

3.01a Setup:

1. Measure the Mass of the Styrofoam catcher with attached stick, such that the total mass of the
catcher system is 49 g. Then, calculating the total mass of the ball (16.5 g), along with the
catcher, and the extra mass. The total mass of the ball and the catcher system is 65.5g.
2. Secure the mini launcher to the bracket using two thumbscrews and the hole and slot. Clamp the
bracket to a table. Insert the 25 cm rod through the two holes in the bracket and tighten with the
round black thumbscrew.
3. Adjust the mini launcher to an angle of 0 degree. Tighten the thumbscrews to fix the angle.
4. Attach the Rotatory Motion Sensor (RMS) to the top of the 25 cm rod. Plug the RMS into any
pasport input in 850 Universal Interface. Make sure that the side of the RMS without the model
number on the label is facing you, so that the angles you read will be positive. (If the RMS is
mounted the other way, it will measure negative angles, but you can ignore the minus signs or
reverse the charts.)
5. Slide the three-step pulley onto the RMS with the largest pulley facing out.
6. Attach the pendulum to the RMS using the hole near the end of the pendulum and the long silver
thumbscrew that came with the pendulum. Align the pendulum rod with the plastic tabs on the
pulley so it cannot slip on the pulley.
7. Adjust the position of the RMS so the pendulum is aligned with the launcher. The center of the
notch in the Styrofoam catcher should be at the same height as the center of the barrel of the
 launcher. The pendulum should almost touch the launcher, but not quite (Leave a 1 mm gap or
so). It is important that the plane of the pendulum be aligned with the axis of the launcher. Sight
down the launcher and swing the pendulum back to check. Be careful not to disturb the alignment
when loading the launcher.

3.01b Procedure:

1. To load the launcher, swing the pendulum away from the launcher, place the ball in the end of the
barrel and, using the pushrod included with the launcher, push the ball down the barrel until the
trigger catches in the first position (out of three positions).

2. Return the pendulum to its normal hanging position. Wait until it stops moving.

3. Click Record and, if working in a team, give a cue for the person performing the experiment to do
the following.

4. Launch the ball so that it is caught in the notch of the Styrofoam catcher.

5. After the pendulum has swung out and back, click Stop.

6. Repeat steps 1-5 three times if there are three readings to be taken according to the depth of the
barrel.

4. Analysis of Obtained Data:

1. Click on the black triangle by the Run Select icon on the graph toolbar and select Run #1.
 2. Click on the Scale to Fit icon on the graph toolbar.
3. Click on the black triangle by the Statistics icon and select Maximum if your angles are positive
or Minimum if your angles are negative. Click anywhere to close the selection Click the Statistics
icon. The maximum value for the angle should appear (ignore any minus sign.)
4. Enter the maximum angle value in the “max angle” column on the Initial Ball Speed.
5. Repeat Run #2 through Run #5, entering the values in rows 2–5.
6. Click open the calculator and verify that the values for “h” and “v zero” in the Initial Ball Speed
table are being calculated.
7. The values in the two boxes below are the average value for v0 and the uncertainty in the value
calculated from the standard deviation of the five values in the table.

4.01 Data and Calculations:

Calculations:

Following are the Calculations obtained from the experiment.

4.01a Table:

Max angle Length of the Mass of the Mass of Total Mass Height Velocity
(rad) pendulum(m) ball mb the of the attained (m) (m/s)
(Kg) catcher Projectile
mc (Kg)
(Kg)
0.624 0.25 ±0.001m 0.0165 0.049 0.0655 0.01411 0.960945
±0.00157 ±0.001 ±0.001 ±0.002 ±0.00000157 ±0.00000157
Relative Relative Relative Percentage Percentage Percentage
Uncertainty Uncertainty Uncertainty Uncertainty Uncertainty Uncertainty
of mass mb of mass mc of final of mass mb of mass mc of final
mass M mass M
0.060606 0.02040 0.030 6.06% 2.04% 3.053%

Relative Relative Relative Percentage Percentage Percentage

Uncertainty uncertainty uncertainty Uncertainty Uncertainty uncertainty
of angle of of height of velocity of angle of of height of velocity
projectile projectile
0.002516 3.332*10^-5 1.633*10^-6 0.25% 0.0033% 0.001633%

4.01b Graphs:
4.01c Explanation of the graph:
From the Above Graph we can see that, when the projectile was launched the RMS rotated to a maximum
angle after which it decreased in amplitude, causing damping with time, the max angle helped us to
calculate the desired height and then the required velocity. The shape of the graph can be related to a
projectile shape.
4.02 Results:
Concluding the results, we can say that the initial velocity of the projectile ball that was launched was
0.960945 m/s ±0.00000157 m/s. The uncertainty is very small in this regard, the height calculated from
the experiment was 0.01411 ±0.00000157.

4.03 Comparison Between Theoretical Vs Experimental Results (Correction):

The analysis of this system is based on the simplification that the mass of the rod and the ballast are
concentrated at the point where the ball hits the catcher. However, this is not exactly true, as the rod has
some mass, and the ballast is located about 3 cm away from the impact point. To account for the effects of
rotation and angular momentum, a more accurate analysis would require a different approach. The ballast
mass has been chosen to make the catcher behave as close as possible to the simplified model. If the
ballast mass were 54 g instead of 49 g, the model would be exact. The difference between the two masses
causes a small error of about 1.12% in the calculated value of the initial speed of the ball.
4.04 Answer to the Objective Questions:

Understanding:

How does the rotary motion sensor measure the angular displacement of the pendulum?

The rotary motion sensor measures the angular displacement of the pendulum by detecting the change in
the magnetic field as the pendulum swings. The sensor converts the magnetic field change into an
electrical signal that is sent to the PASCO Capstone software.

Applying:

How can you use the PASCO Capstone software to find the maximum angle of the pendulum?

You can use the PASCO Capstone software to find the maximum angle of the pendulum by using the
analysis tools. You can select the angular displacement data and use the statistics tool to find the
maximum value. You can also use the graph tool to plot the angular displacement versus time and use the
cursor tool to locate the peak point.

Analyzing:

How does the initial speed of the ball affect the angular displacement of the pendulum?

The initial speed of the ball affects the angular displacement of the pendulum by transferring some of its
linear momentum and kinetic energy to the pendulum. The higher the initial speed of the ball, the more
momentum and energy it transfers, and the higher the angular displacement of the pendulum.

Evaluating:

How accurate and reliable is the experiment in determining the muzzle velocity of the projectile?
The experiment is fairly accurate and reliable in determining the muzzle velocity of the projectile, but it
has some sources of error and uncertainty. Some of the possible sources of error and uncertainty are
friction, air resistance, measurement errors, calibration errors, and human errors.

5. Final Analysis:
5.01 Resulting Errors & Suggestions for Improving Experiment for Future Performers:
We conducted the ballistic pendulum experiment in the PASCO laboratory and learned how to improve
the precision and accuracy of our measurements. We encountered random errors that affected the
precision, such as air resistance, release mechanism variations, and human error. Additionally, we faced
systematic errors that influenced the accuracy, such as friction in the pivot, calibration errors, and initial
height estimation. To minimize the impact of random errors, we performed multiple trials. Seeking to
reduce systematic errors, we calibrated the equipment carefully, used a more precise release
mechanism, and minimized friction in the pivot. These collaborative efforts helped us overcome the
challenges of the experiment and enhance our scientific understanding.

5.02 Limitations & Their Impact:

The ballistic pendulum experiment faced several limitations in the laboratory. One was the lack of proper
equipment, which affected the accuracy and reliability of our measurements. Another was the scarcity of
time and space, which prevented us from conducting multiple trials or repetitions. A third was the lack of
prior understanding and skills, which required a certain finesse and proficiency for the experiment.

5.03 Success Rate of Experiment:

The experiment achieved a success rate of 33% after three attempts. The initial failures were attributed
to the lack of expertise and comprehension of the procedure. However, through a process of trial and
error, and learning from the previous mistakes, the experiment was successfully completed on the third
attempt.

5.04 Aim of the Experiment:

Restating the aim of the experiment, it was to demonstrate the conservation of energy and momentum
in a ballistic pendulum experiment.

6. Future Use of Technology:

The ballistic pendulum is a versatile tool that can be used in various devices. For example, a game that
launches a projectile at a target and measures the launch speed with a sensor. Or a device that catches
bullets or paintballs and shows the speed of a display. Or a toy that demonstrates physics principles with
the ballistic pendulum and a sound effect. Or a gadget that performs a trick with a ballistic pendulum and
a hidden magnet. These applications show the adaptability and intrigue of the ballistic pendulum.