Gauss Rifle

I don't know if anyone konws what a gauss rifle is, but it's a simple magnetic accelerator, I built one and wrote my extended essay for IB (high school program) on it... the final result (in the video) shoots a 7/16" chrome ball bearing at 19m/s, which i really don't think is that bad if you look at me not putting any energy into it at all. the only thing i did is bring it to where the magnet grabbed it.

it works with transfer of momentum, magnetism, and potential energy. i can explain it further if anyone wants.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/438968/gauss_rifle_firing/


i'll have "the construction" video up later

Well, actually you did put energy into it, a little at a time, in the setup process.

Nice job! BTW, how did you arrive at the velocity number? Did you use a chronograph?

I wonder what the upper limit is for one of those things, before the magnets start breaking.

I remember doing that in a physics class and it's nice to see it on video good job