Physics 110
CSW
6
Computer Simulation Worksheet 6
Name
Section
Date
Computer Simulation Worksheet 6
POINTS (6)
Ballistic Pendulum
In this scenario, a metal ball is launched into a catch mechanism at the end of pendulum.
Start DIYM and open the CSW6 – Ballistic Pendulum (Ver 7).xml scenario file.
Figure 1. CSW6 Ballistic pendulum simulation build window.
Figure 2. Ballistic pendulum setup.
PART I – Calculate Speed after Launch from the Spring
In this part you will launch the metal ball from a compressed spring.
1. Consider the scenario pictured in Figures 1 and 2 where
a. Mass of the ball
b. Spring constant
c. Initial compression (displacement from equilibrium)
2. What quantity is conserved when the metal ball is launched from the spring before it hits
the pendulum catch mechanism?
3. Calculate the speed
Documentation Statement
(m/s) with which the mass leaves the spring.
Physics 110
Computer Simulation Worksheet 6
4. Run the simulation
a. Mouse-over Run, click Simulate, Record, and Run, and click Play!.
b. Set initial conditions.
c. Press Fire! to begin the simulation motion.
d. Press Quit after several oscillations.
5. Press the Line Chart tab.
e. From the speed vs. time plot, confirm your
calculated value for the speed of the pendulum. Note
the simulation speed is given in
.
𝑣
__________
PART II – Calculate the Speed of the Pendulum (and Ball) Immediately after the Collision
In this part you will calculate the speed of the pendulum (and ball) immediately after impact.
1. Consider the scenario pictured in Figures 1 and 2 where
a. Mass of the ball
b. Mass of the pendulum
c. Spring constant
d. Initial compression (displacement from equilibrium)
.
2. The metal ball collides with the catcher mechanism on the pendulum and sticks. What type
of collision is this? What is conserved during this type of collision?
6. Using your speed of the ball as it leaves the spring in Part I, calculate the speed
of the pendulum and the ball immediately after the collision.
7. Run the simulation
f. Mouse-over Run, click Simulate, Record, and Run, and click Play!.
g. Set initial conditions.
h. Press Fire! to begin the simulation motion.
i. Press Quit after several oscillations.
8. Press the Line Chart tab.
j. From the speed vs. time plot, confirm your
calculated value for the speed of the pendulum (with
ball).
𝑣𝑓
__________
2
(cm/s)
Physics 110
Computer Simulation Worksheet 6
PART III – Calculate the Maximum Height of the Pendulum (and Ball)
In this part you will calculate the maximum height to which the pendulum swings after the impact.
3. Consider the scenario pictured in Figures 1 and 2 where
a. Mass of the ball
b. Mass of the pendulum
c. Spring constant
d. Initial compression (displacement from equilibrium)
4. As the pendulum swings up from the starting position, it slows due to gravity. What is
conserved while the pendulum swings to its maximum height where
?
5. Calculate the maximum height that the pendulum (and ball) will swing after the impact.
6. Run the simulation
a. Mouse-over Run, click Simulate, Record, and Run, and click Play!.
b. Set initial conditions.
c. Press Catch Pendulum at Top?.
d. Press Fire! to begin the simulation motion.
e. Press Quit after several oscillations.
7. Press the Line Chart tab.
f. From the height vs. time plot, confirm your calculated
value for the final height of the pendulum.
𝑓
__________
3