Ballistics Car with Remote Trigger – Horizontal & Vertical Motion Physics Demonstrator

The Ballistics Car with Remote Trigger provides a striking and memorable demonstration of the independence of horizontal and vertical motion—a core concept in physics.

This four-wheeled cart carries a vertical launch tube with a spring-loaded piston, designed to project a steel ball straight upward while the cart is in motion. Both the cart and the ball share the same horizontal velocity, so when the ball falls back down, it lands directly back into the moving cart—perfectly illustrating Newtonian mechanics.

The remote-controlled release system ensures reliable timing and adds engagement for classroom demonstrations. A conical rubber catcher compensates for slight variations in trajectory, ensuring successful operation every time.

Cart Design: Four-wheeled with vertical spring-loaded launch tube

Operation: Remote wireless trigger for piston release

Accessories Included: Two ¾" steel balls and operating instructions

Power: Requires six “AAA” batteries (not included)

Educational Focus: Demonstrates Newton’s laws, projectile motion, and independence of motion in two dimensions

Ideal for high school and university physics labs, this demonstrator transforms an abstract concept into a memorable, hands-on experiment.