Dynamics Systems

Dynamics Systems

Perform elastic and inelastic collisions while collecting sensor data - see the visual and data evidence of conservation of momentum. Learn more

Ballistic Pendulums

Ballistic Pendulums

Choose from a variety of ballistic pendulum, ranging from conventional to computerized models. Learn more

Ball Collisions

Ball Collisions

Demonstrate conservation of momentum as balls collide in one- and two-dimensions. Learn more

Dynamics Systems

Perform inelastic and elastic collisions

PAScar Dynamics System
  • Perform inelastic and elastic collisions in which students can see that momentum is actually conserved.
  • Magnetic bumpers for elastic collisions
  • Velcro™ bumpers for inelastic collisions
  • Measure velocities using Motion Sensors, or Rotary Motion Sensors, or Photogates
  • Two types of systems: Classic and PAScar

There are two types of systems: Those which have the classic aluminum cart and those which have the high-impact polycarbonate PAScar. The 2.2 meter tracks are listed here because they give more room for collisions than the 1.2 meter tracks.

Using Motion Sensors:

Record the cart velocities (speed and direction) with Motion Sensors.

Using Rotary Motion Sensors:

For cart velocities with higher resolution, Rotary Motion Sensors can be attached to the track and cart with a string around pulleys, much like a clothes line.

Rotary Motion Track

Using Photogates:

The cart speeds can also be measured just before and after the collision using photogates (attached to the track using photogate brackets) and flags in the carts. A Smart Timer has a special collision mode for recording incoming and outgoing speeds of two carts.

Ballistic Pendulums

Four pendulum versions

Traditional Ballistic Pendulum

Traditional Ballistic Pendulum

Traditional Ballistic Pendulum:

This ballistic pendulum uses a projectile launcher that can do double duty in projectile motion labs.

The catcher in the pendulum catches the ball every time and as the pendulum swings, it pushes the angle indicator bar without losing appreciable energy.

Ballistic Pendulum without Rotation

Ballistic Pendulum without Rotation

Ballistic Pendulum without Rotation:

Unlike other ballistic pendulums, this catcher swings without rotating so the rotational inertia of the pendulum does not have to be taken into consideration. The pendulum can be treated as a simple pendulum. The ball is reliably caught in a foam channel.

The Projectile Catcher catches the balls from the larger Projectile Launchers (ME-6800 or ME-6801):

The Mini Catcher catches the ball from a Mini Launcher (ME-6825A):

Computerized Ballistic Pendulum

Computerized Ballistic Pendulum

Computerized Ballistic Pendulum:

This ballistic pendulum is attached to a Rotary Motion Sensor so the resulting velocity after the collision and the maximum angle to which the pendulum swings is recorded.

The muzzle velocity of the ball can be determined using photogates on a photogate bracket attached to the launcher.

There are two versions, one for each size launcher:

Roller Coaster with Ballistic Pendulum

Roller Coaster with Ballistic Pendulum

Roller coaster with Ballistic Pendulum:

The roller coaster car starts from rest on the incline. It's potential energy is converted to kinetic energy as the car rolls down the incline, and students can calculate the speed of the car before it hits the pendulum. Then the car collides with the pendulum, is captured, and swings up with the pendulum.

Ball Collisions

Demonstrate horizontal and vertical motion

Drop shoot

Drop Shoot:

This classic demonstration is used to show that vertical and horizontal motion are independent in projectile motion. However, this version used conservation of momentum to drop one ball and shoot the other ball horizontally:

  • Ball #1 is hung from a magnet in front of the launcher.
  • Ball #2 is shot from the horizontal launcher.
  • Ball #2 hits Ball #1 and, because the two balls have the same mass, Ball #2 stops and Ball #1 acquires the same velocity Ball #2 had.
  • Then Ball #2 drops straight down and Ball #1 flies out horizontally as if it was shot from the launcher.

As an added bonus, a hollow steel ball is included with the larger version, so that hollow and solid balls fly out horizontally with different velocities after colliding.

Projectile Launcher Conservation of momentum in two dimensions

Conservation of Momentum in Two Dimensions:

All PASCO Projectile Launchers are supplied with a bracket for holding one ball in front of the launcher off at an angle, so when another ball is launched, it hits the other ball a glancing blow and both balls land on the table or floor. By measuring where they land, their velocities after the collision can be determined.