A ballistic pendulum is a device that is used to measure the velocity of a projectile. It consists of a pendulum that is suspended from a support, and a target that is placed in front of the pendulum. When a projectile hits the target, it transfers its momentum to the pendulum, causing it to swing upwards. By measuring the height of the swing, the velocity of the projectile can be calculated.
Definitions
A ballistic pendulum is a device that is used to measure the velocity of a projectile. It consists of a pendulum that is suspended from a support, and a target that is placed in front of the pendulum. When a projectile hits the target, it transfers its momentum to the pendulum, causing it to swing upwards. By measuring the height of the swing, the velocity of the projectile can be calculated.
Origin
The ballistic pendulum was invented by Benjamin Robins, a British mathematician and military engineer, in the early 18th century. Robins used the device to measure the velocity of cannonballs, and his work laid the foundation for the science of ballistics.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a ballistic pendulum is “a device for measuring the velocity of a projectile by means of a pendulum that is set swinging by the impact of the projectile.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines a ballistic pendulum as “an instrument for measuring the velocity of a projectile, consisting of a pendulum suspended from a support and a target in front of it, the projectile striking the target and causing the pendulum to swing.”
Associations
The ballistic pendulum is closely associated with the science of ballistics, which is the study of the motion of projectiles. It is also used in forensic science to determine the velocity of bullets fired from firearms.
Synonyms
There are no commonly used synonyms for ballistic pendulum.
Antonyms
There are no commonly used antonyms for ballistic pendulum.
The same root words
The word “ballistic” comes from the Greek word “ballistēs,” which means “thrower of missiles.” The word “pendulum” comes from the Latin word “pendulus,” which means “hanging.”
Example Sentences
- The forensic scientist used a ballistic pendulum to determine the velocity of the bullet.
- The physics teacher demonstrated the concept of momentum using a ballistic pendulum.
- The military engineer used a ballistic pendulum to measure the velocity of cannonballs.
The ballistic pendulum is a device that has been used for centuries to measure the velocity of projectiles. It is an important tool in the science of ballistics, and is also used in forensic science to determine the velocity of bullets fired from firearms. The invention of the ballistic pendulum by Benjamin Robins laid the foundation for the science of ballistics, and it remains an important tool for scientists and engineers today.