Gravitational Slingshot Photo
Photo Credit - http://www.astronomy.ohio-state.edu/~thompson/161/dance.html
Overhead plate with ball bearings.

Code Number: 8D30.70

Demo Title: Slingshot Effect - Gravity Assist

Principle: Slingshot Effect

Area of Study: Astronomy

Procedure:  

1L20.66 in Mechanics, 1L20.66/7D30.90 in Astronomy.

NOTE:  This demo can be found in the Modern section in the 7D30.90 box.  Place the Plexiglas plate with attached ring magnet on the overhead projector.  Roll one of the ball bearings at a grazing angle across the ring magnet.  Watch the ball bearing either be deflected to a different direction, or orbit the magnet.   The ramp can be attached to several places on the plate and will be a great help in controlling ball bearing speed and direction or grazing angle.  Notice that the ball bearing speeds up as it approaches the magnet at a grazing angle and retains that speed as it changes direction when going partially around the magnet.

References:

  • Albert A. Bartlett, "The Slingshot Effect: Explanation and Analogies", TPT, # 8, Nov. 1985, p. 466.
  • Robert J. Reiland,  # 7, "The Slingshot Effect", Teaching About Magnetism, p. 4.5.
  • Jearl Walker, "1.191, Gravitational Slingshot Effect", The Flying Circus of Physics, p. 81.