Re: science teacher needs help

On 19 Oct 2005 21:15:31 -0700, "semidemiurge" <rick.fetters@xxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

>I need a simple solution for a classroom science project. I am a
>science teacher and I am constructing apparatus to demonstrate that a
>projectile drops at the same rate as an object falling in the vertical
>axis alone.
>I have the target released by energizing a solenoid, this is suppose to
>happen when the projectile exits the muzzle of a blowgun. My problem
>is how to energize the solenoid by the passage of the dart out the
>muzzle. One thought was using a NO microswitch but it causes a
>deflection in the path of the dart no mater what I do. I was thinking
>about using a small piece of alluminum foil that would be severed
>(breaking contact) but I would need some technique/circuit that would
>start the current flow to the solenoid when the foil circuit was
>openned. I don't have a suffecient background in electronics to solve
>this on my own, any suggestions? thanks rick

Another idea; Drop the blow gun for a catapult and let the catapult
arm close a switch when it reaches the end of its travel. Simple and
inexpensive.

A small wind up spring or different springs for different velocity or
weight projectiles.
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