ballistic pendulum

noun

Meaning

A device used to determine the velocity of a projectile by measuring the height to which a suspended mass swings after being struck.

Examples

  • The ballistic pendulum provided a simple way to calculate the initial speed of the test projectile.
  • By analyzing the energy transfer within the ballistic pendulum, the researchers confirmed the conservation of momentum.

Synonyms: measuring device, impact tester, velocity gauge, momentum apparatus