The target is going to drop the moment you shoot.

Where will you aim?

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

Shoot-the-Target Demonstration

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?

Many students intuitively want to anticipate the target's drop -- and so will aim below the target. Break that misconception with trial and error.

To hit the target, you need to aim at the target. The projectile and the target "drop" at the same rate. Once students recognize that both the projectile and the target experience the exact same downward acceleration (gravity), the understanding begins.

Try different set-ups. Raise the height distance between the launcher and the target, or modify the horizontal distance between projectile launcher and target. Students will discover that both objects accelerate downward at the same rate due to gravity. Break the misconceptions that an object's velocity affects its acceleration or that an object's velocity along one axis affects its velocity along another axis.

This demonstration is also a great way to discuss parabolic motion. As spectators from the side or from the frame of reference of the projectile launcher, students see that the projectile moves in a parabola. Discuss what would be seen from the frame of reference of the falling target, what does the motion of the projective look like? (Yes, a straight line.)

Two bore sights simplify aiming of the launcher.

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.

PASCO makes setup easy

Shoot the ‘gun' and the projectile trips the photogate, immediately triggering the electromagnetic Drop Box to release the target.

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

Here's what you need:

Shoot-the-Target (ME-6853)

PASCO's Shoot-the-Target provides you with the equipment to reliably conduct this classic demonstration -- consistent, precisely-timed drops.

Includes:

Drop Box & Control Box
Control Cable
High Impact Plastic Target (75 cm x 20 cm)
Photogate Head & Bracket
AC Adapter (9 VDC, 500 mA)

Projectile Launcher-Short Range (ME-6800)

PASCO has precision-engineered our Projectile Launchers that are accurate, durable and give repeatable results. The Short Range Projective Launcher has a three repeatable launch ranges: 1.2 m, 3 m and 5 m.