Who used projectile motion to find a muzzle velocity?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a physics lab experiment designed to determine the muzzle velocity of a dart gun using three distinct methods: vertical launch calculations, momentum conservation with a frictionless air track, and projectile motion analysis against a wall. The participants express uncertainty about the historical context of these experiments, questioning whether similar methodologies have been employed in the past. The lab serves as an educational tool for understanding projectile motion and its variables, reinforcing foundational physics concepts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of projectile motion principles
  • Familiarity with conservation of momentum
  • Basic knowledge of kinematics equations
  • Experience with experimental physics lab techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Research historical experiments in projectile motion
  • Explore advanced kinematics equations for projectile motion
  • Learn about conservation laws in physics, specifically momentum
  • Investigate the use of air tracks in physics experiments
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics courses, educators designing lab experiments, and anyone interested in the practical applications of projectile motion and conservation principles.

rad5brandon
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So, in a class, we did an open-ended lab to find the muzzle velocity of a dart gun firing. We used three different methods:
1. shooting the gun straight up and down, and calculating the V, when y=0

2. placing a car on a (nearly) frictionless air track, and shooting the dart into it, having an initial velocity of 0 and an equation where momentum is conserved.

3. Positioning a dart gun a certain distance (x) from a wall, firing it, and measuring the y. Using that, plugging it into find a Vi.


Apparently, these have all been done before in history, but either I'm not looking in the right place, or someone is messing with me. Have these experiments been done in some form in the past, or is this a dumbed down physics lab? Nothing I looked for is turning up positive
 
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I have done all of these labs in one of my mechanics classes. Its just getting you used to solving a projectile motion problem with different initial variables. Do you have a problem or question with the lab?
 
Yes, who in history did the labs, or some form of them?
 

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