Bullet vs Newton's Cradle at 100,000 FPS - The Slow Mo Guys

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Exploring the Impact of Bullets and Ball Bearings in Slow Motion

Materials Needed:

1. Solenoid valve
2. Long barrel capable of firing objects
3. Spherical ball bearings
4. Perspex water tank
5. Phantom TMX 7510 camera
6. Nylon string
7. BBs (bullet balls)
8. Pistol ammunition

Step 1: Set Up the Cannon

• Assemble the solenoid valve and the long barrel capable of firing objects.
• Ensure the barrel is three-quarters of an inch in diameter.

Step 2: Prepare the Cannon for Firing

• Load the cannon with spherical ball bearings, ensuring they are of the same size and hardness.
• Fill the tank with water for safety measures.

Step 3: Record the Experiment

• Set up the Phantom TMX 7510 camera to capture the experiment at 100,000 frames per second.
• Position the perspex water tank as a blast shield for safety.

Step 4: Fire the Cannon

• Countdown and fire the cannon to observe the impact of the ball bearings in slow motion.
• Analyze the footage to see how the ball bearings interact with each other upon impact.

Step 5: Compare the Effects

• Observe how the first and last ball bearings receive the most impact, while the middle ones are less affected.
• Note any deformations or damage caused by the impact on the ball bearings.

Step 6: Test with Pistol Ammunition

• Load the cannon with pistol ammunition, such as BBs, for a comparison test.
• Follow safety precautions and stand at a safe distance before firing the cannon.

Step 7: Analyze the Results

• Record the impact of the pistol ammunition on the ball bearings.
• Compare the effects of the bullet with the ball bearings in terms of hardness and impact force.

Step 8: Review the Footage

• Watch the slow-motion footage to observe how the pistol ammunition interacts with the ball bearings.
• Note any differences in impact force and damage caused by the bullet.

Step 9: Conclude the Experiment

• Compare the results of the ball bearings and the pistol ammunition.
• Reflect on the differences in impact force and deformation caused by the two projectiles.

By following these steps, you can conduct a fascinating experiment to explore the impact of bullets and ball bearings in slow motion. Remember to prioritize safety and enjoy the process of discovery through high-speed footage analysis.