The target is going to drop the moment you shoot.

The question is, where will you aim? Understanding the answer to that question means understanding one of the most important principles of projectile motion.

Break the common misconceptions
Experience the independence of x and y motion

The Teaching Challenge

A student's understanding of projectile motion hinges on first accepting that horizontal and vertical motion are independent of one another. This often runs counter to the pre-conceived notions of many physics students. And as with many principles in physics, simply telling students the facts will often not be enough to dispel those misconceptions. They need to be able to see it for themselves.

What is the best way to demonstrate that an object dropped from rest will experience the same acceleration due to gravity as one that is launched at an angle? And how can it be shown that neither the launch angle nor the launch speed affect the downward acceleration experienced by an object?

Make the formulas of physics come alive with this classic demonstration. Involve your students in the activity and spark the discussion around the independence of x and y motion.

Are both projectile and target in freefall?

What is the only downward acceleration on both objects?
What would happen in a world without gravity?

Does an object's horizontal velocity in any way affect its vertical velocity?

The PASCO Solution

PASCO provides the equipment to make it work

This demonstration works when the key variables are isolated. You can't afford to spend class time explaining what should have happened. With PASCO's solution, you can have confidence your students will see the science. PASCO's Projectile Launchers are precision engineered and tested to give you reliable and repeatable results. When you aim at the target with a PASCO Projectile Launcher -- you can have confidence you will hit the mark.

The PASCO Shoot-the-Target times the drop of the target simultaneously with the launch of the projectile. Our unique electromagnetic design provides a quick release of the high-impact plastic target.

Solution at a Glance

		Qty.
Shoot-the-Target (ME-6853)	$298	1
Projectile Launcher (Short Range) (ME-6800)	$349	1
Large C Clamp (6 Pack) (SE-7285)	$65	1

For more product information and to order products separately, see below.

PASCO makes setup easy

The Drop Box -- which holds and then drops the target simultaneously with the projectile shot -- includes two embedded magnets for easily mounting magnetically to a steel portion of your ceiling. You can also mount to a horizontal rod (as shown in the photo at top of page