1D60.10 • Projectile Motion: Howitzer and Tunnel
Location: Floor Demo
Photo shows the demonstration used at the University of Texas at Austin.
Instructions / Notes:
- A small cart rolling at a constant speed shoots a ball upwards before entering a tunnel
- The ball travels in a parabola due to the combined horizontal motion of the launcher and a vertical launch of the cannon, which is pointed upward.
- The ball falls in the cart on the other side of the tunnel
- Caution: A slow, steady motion must be used to launch the cart - to prevent it from crashing to the floor.
- The small on/off dip switch is left in the "off" position. Turn the demo off when not in use to prevent the coil from overheating and conserve battery life.
- In order to prepare the ball for launch, you must push it down in the cart enough to hear a click.
Demo Staff Notes:
- If the ball continues to hit the rim of the cart, or miss the cart completely, alter the elevation of the track using any of the four knobs (located on the four corners of the track).
- This demo tends to work better if placed on the farthest side of the lecture hall (closest to the outside exit).
Video shows the demonstration used at the University of Texas at Austin.
Last updated on June 18, 2026