Investigatory Project: Gauss Rifle
The Gauss Rifle:
A Magnetic Linear Accelerator
Macalino, D. M. D.
Magpantay, J. M.
Recto, I. J.
Reyes, R.
Francisco, P. V.
4 – 5 Zatti IDT 4
In partial fulfilment for the requirement in Physics
Don Bosco Technical Institute – Makati
SY 2011-2012
Ms. April J. Cruz
Research Adviser
Chapter I – Introduction
I. Background of the Study
It was either the Chinese or the Greeks who discovered the properties of lodestone, which "contain magnetite, a natural magnetic material Fe304" (Jezek, 2006). This dated back to the first century, B.C. in the writings of Lucretius and Pliny the Elder, in which he mentions the "magical powers of magnetite." Years following, magnetite had been marked with superstitious feelings of possessing "magical powers, such as the ability to heal the sick, frighten evil spirits and attract and dissolve ships made of iron!" (Jezek, 2006). Magnets "attract paper clips, nails and other objects made of iron" (Giancoli, 1998).
Johann Gauss, born April 30th, 1777, was a man or great accomplishment. Starting at the age of seven, "his potential was noticed almost immediately. His teacher and assistant were amazed when Gauss summed the integers from 1 to 100 instantly" (O'Connor and Robertson, 1996). Gauss built a magnetic observatory, completed in 1833 to observe magnetic declination. Gauss died in his sleep on February 23rd, 1855.
II. Statement of the Problem
The purpose of this experiment is to find out the relationship between the spacing of the magnets in a Gauss Rifle and the velocity of the last ball, and use it to determine the maximum velocity that can be achieved.
III. Significance of the Study
It is important for us to know whether the spacing in-between magnets would affect the overall velocity of the last ball. This will give us accurate measurements to improve the speed of the ball.
A Magnetic Linear Accelerator
Macalino, D. M. D.
Magpantay, J. M.
Recto, I. J.
Reyes, R.
Francisco, P. V.
4 – 5 Zatti IDT 4
In partial fulfilment for the requirement in Physics
Don Bosco Technical Institute – Makati
SY 2011-2012
Ms. April J. Cruz
Research Adviser
Chapter I – Introduction
I. Background of the Study
It was either the Chinese or the Greeks who discovered the properties of lodestone, which "contain magnetite, a natural magnetic material Fe304" (Jezek, 2006). This dated back to the first century, B.C. in the writings of Lucretius and Pliny the Elder, in which he mentions the "magical powers of magnetite." Years following, magnetite had been marked with superstitious feelings of possessing "magical powers, such as the ability to heal the sick, frighten evil spirits and attract and dissolve ships made of iron!" (Jezek, 2006). Magnets "attract paper clips, nails and other objects made of iron" (Giancoli, 1998).
Johann Gauss, born April 30th, 1777, was a man or great accomplishment. Starting at the age of seven, "his potential was noticed almost immediately. His teacher and assistant were amazed when Gauss summed the integers from 1 to 100 instantly" (O'Connor and Robertson, 1996). Gauss built a magnetic observatory, completed in 1833 to observe magnetic declination. Gauss died in his sleep on February 23rd, 1855.
II. Statement of the Problem
The purpose of this experiment is to find out the relationship between the spacing of the magnets in a Gauss Rifle and the velocity of the last ball, and use it to determine the maximum velocity that can be achieved.
III. Significance of the Study
It is important for us to know whether the spacing in-between magnets would affect the overall velocity of the last ball. This will give us accurate measurements to improve the speed of the ball.