ballistic pendulum

noun

Physics.

1. a device consisting of a large mass hung from a horizontal bar by two rods, used to measure the velocity of an object, as a bullet, by retaining the object upon impact, its velocity being a function of the displacement of the mass.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ballistic pendulum¹

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

One was the determination of the288 velocity of a bullet fired from a rifle into a Robins ballistic pendulum.

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The experiments were made in the usual manner by firing bullets into a ballistic pendulum, and recording the swing of the pendulum.

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Robins, in 1742, first measured the muzzle-speed of the shot by firing into a ballistic pendulum and noting the swing of the pendulum.

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A modification of the ballistic pendulum was also employed by W.E.

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In sharp contrast here the principle of conservation of momentum may be brought in by ballistic pendulum experiments involving elastic and inelastic impacts.

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