Paper ProjectileA lovely device to launch a dart and make measurements

Written By: Kailash NR

Paper Projectile 2020-04-30[major]3.3Release:Guide ID: 318 -

This document was generated on 2020-04-30 06:43:57 AM (MST).

© 2020 Page 1 of 8

INTRODUCTION

Using a piece of fat straw, a launch-angle measuring device called a sextant, and some paper darts,we launch the paper darts by blowing them through the straw to see what impact they make on anewspaper screen!

TOOLS:Scissors (1)Marker (1)

( Optionally you can use Pen/Pencil )Insulation Tape (1)

PARTS:Thread (1)Magnet (1)Fat Straw (1)Paper (1)

any colour A4 sheet paperProtractor Template (1)Cardboard (1)

Paper Projectile 2020-04-30[major]3.3Release:Guide ID: 318 -

This document was generated on 2020-04-30 06:43:57 AM (MST).

© 2020 Page 2 of 8

— Precautions

Exercise caution while using scissors.

Do not launch the darts towards humans or other animals as it may lead to pain and injury.

— Step 1 - Rolling the Pointed Dart

Take a paper of :

21 cm length.

7.5 cm breadth.

Make a cone by rolling the paper from one end.

The cone should be pointed at one end.

Make the cone as thin as possible.

Paper Projectile 2020-04-30[major]3.3Release:Guide ID: 318 -

This document was generated on 2020-04-30 06:43:57 AM (MST).

© 2020 Page 3 of 8

— Step 2 - Taping the Pointed Dart

Reinforce the pointed end with tapeto prevent it from becoming blunt onrepeated usage.

Use more tape if the cone is notrobust.

— Step 3 - Rolling the Blunt Dart

Take a paper of :

21 cm length.

7.5 cm breadth.

Make a cone as described in the previous steps (Step 1).

Cut ~0.5 cm of the pointed end of the cone to make it blunt.

Paper Projectile 2020-04-30[major]3.3Release:Guide ID: 318 -

This document was generated on 2020-04-30 06:43:57 AM (MST).

© 2020 Page 4 of 8

— Step 4 - Rolling the Cylindrical Dart

Take a paper of 5 cm x 5 cm.

Make a cylinder by rolling the paper.

Ensure that the dart is thin enough such that it fits into the fat straw without any effort.

— Step 5 - Taping the Cylindrical Dart

Secure the cylinder by taping end of the paper piece on the curved surface.

Use more tape if the cylinder is not robust.

Close one end of the cylinder using insulation tape; this is to prevent air from escaping from oneend.

Paper Projectile 2020-04-30[major]3.3Release:Guide ID: 318 -

This document was generated on 2020-04-30 06:43:57 AM (MST).

© 2020 Page 5 of 8

— Step 6 - Preparing to Launch Pointed Dart

To make Sextant follow this link Sextant.

Insert the pointed end of the dart into the straw.

Cut at the mark to remove the protruding excess so that the dart fits perfectly inside the straw.

This cut ensures that the dart fits perfectly inside the straw and friction between the straw and dartis minimal.

— Step 7 - Insert Dart into Straw

Insert the sharp end of the dart into the straw.

Note that the dart should fit perfectly inside the straw without any effort.

Paper Projectile 2020-04-30[major]3.3Release:Guide ID: 318 -

This document was generated on 2020-04-30 06:43:57 AM (MST).

© 2020 Page 6 of 8

— Play!

Keep the angle of projection at zero degrees.

Blow into the straw hard from the end the dart is placed and see the fun!

— Other Darts

Similarly, launch the blunt dart.

And the cylindrical dart.

Paper Projectile 2020-04-30[major]3.3Release:Guide ID: 318 -

This document was generated on 2020-04-30 06:43:57 AM (MST).

© 2020 Page 7 of 8

— Troubleshooting

Dart failed to launch due to stiff contact between straw and dart - Cut the dart to a proper lengthsuch that the resistance is minimal.

The dart launches at slow speed and falls off immediately - Make sure the cut you made is ofperfect length such that there are no air gaps in between dart and straw.

The length of the launcher, i.e. the straw, must be at least 3 times that of the dart so that adequateacceleration can occur.

The pointed end of the dart is so blunt that it cannot pierce the newspaper.

Paper Projectile 2020-04-30[major]3.3Release:Guide ID: 318 -

This document was generated on 2020-04-30 06:43:57 AM (MST).

© 2020 Page 8 of 8