Who used projectile motion to find a muzzle velocity?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a lab experiment designed to determine the muzzle velocity of a dart gun using three methods: vertical shooting, momentum conservation with a frictionless air track, and measuring projectile motion against a wall. The participant questions whether these experiments have historical precedence or if they are simplified versions of established physics labs. They express frustration at not finding any historical references to similar experiments. The focus remains on understanding the educational value of the lab in the context of projectile motion. The inquiry seeks to connect classroom experiments with historical physics practices.
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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