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.

Video shows the demonstration used at the University of Texas at Austin.

Last updated on February 24, 2025