Introduction

The Basics of Projectile Motion

Projectile motion refers to the motion of an object that is projected into the air and then is subject to the force of gravity. The object will follow a curved path known as a parabolic trajectory.

A baseball launcher is a device that can be used to project a baseball into the air to simulate a pitch in baseball. It typically consists of a mechanism for holding the baseball, a trigger for releasing the baseball, and a power source for propelling the baseball. The launcher can be adjusted to change the initial velocity of the baseball, and thus the trajectory of the baseball can be changed.

Ultrasonic Sensors and Instrumention

Ultrasonic sensors use sound waves to measure distance or detect the presence of objects. They work by emitting a high-frequency sound wave and measuring the time it takes for the wave to bounce back after hitting an object. The Arduino board can then use this information to determine the distance to the object.

Instructions

1. Open your SheBuilds kit

Your SheBuilds kit will come with everything you need to get started on this project.

2. Start assembling the launcher structure using Lego.

This is your chance to explore and be creative! Use the Lego to build a launcher structure that will allow you to launch a ping pong ball from.

There are many different ways you can build the launcher so don't be afraid to play around with the blocks and see what works and what doesn't work. Make sure the opening is wide enough to fit the ping pong ball in.

3. Build the motor placement holder

You will need a Lego piece that will fit the width of the motor. You can use two more pieces to be placed on either side of the motor in order to secure it in place.

Use the white curved piece to attach to the hinge pieces. This will be used to secure the motor in place from the top.

4. Assemble the smooth Lego pieces

Use the smooth Lego pieces to pave a smooth path from the surface of where the ping pong ball will be launched.

This surface is smooth in order to eliminate friction so the the ball can launch at a faster speed. You can try using the launcher without the smooth pieces too see what happens. You'll find that the ball leaves the launcher at a slower speed and does not project as far.

5. Create the shooting ramp

Bend the cardboard at two lines parallel to the length of the cardboard. This will be used as a ramp to launch the ping pong ball at a certain angle.

Use the rotating Lego piece to construct a support for the ramp. This piece can be adjusted so that you can configure the angle at which you launch the ball at.

6. Start launching!

Congratulations! You completed the Ball Launcher! Now it's time to start testing and experiementing with it.

See how far you can launch the ball! What happens when you change the launch angle? Does the ball travel farther?