Angry Birds realized: water balloon launcher for teaching projectile motion with drag

作者:Edwards Boyd F*; Sam David D; Christiansen Michael A; Booth William A; Jessup Leslie O
来源:European Journal of Physics, 2014, 35(3): 035009.
DOI:10.1088/0143-0807/35/3/035009

摘要

A simple, collapsible design for a large water balloon slingshot launcher features a fully adjustable initial velocity vector and a balanced launch platform. The design facilitates quantitative explorations of the dependence of the balloon range and time of flight on the initial speed, launch angle, and projectile mass, in an environment where quadratic air drag is important. Presented are theory and experiments that characterize this drag, and theory and experiments that characterize the nonlinear elastic energy and hysteresis of the latex tubing used in the slingshot. The experiments can be carried out with inexpensive and readily available tools and materials. The launcher provides an engaging way to teach projectile motion and elastic energy to students of a wide variety of ages.

  • 出版日期2014-5