Student can visualize acceleration due to gravity!

No beginning physics student should miss this. It dramatically demonstrates a concept that is crucial for understanding projectile motion: the independence of horizontal and vertical components of projectile motion. Two balls are mounted on the apparatus. When you release the spring, one is dropped directly down while the other is projected horizontally. Listen, and you'll hear that both hit the floor at the same time! Easy to set up and level.

Sometimes called a "Newton's Second Law Demonstrator," this device can also lead to some great discussions of the forces involved. One ball experiences the force of gravity only, while the other experiences the force of the spring and gravity. Describing the motion of each ball in terms of action-reaction pairs helps cement all of Newton's laws in a simple and easy-to-do demonstration.

Ring stand and clamp holder required, but not included.