Experimental Study on Projectile Launching from a Ruler Cannon: Relationship Between Launch Velocity and Device Parameters

In physics education and experimental mechanics, elastic launchers serve as pivotal equipment bridging theory and application. This study improves upon traditional spring and slingshot devices by employing a ruler-based launcher to investigate the interaction between initial launch velocity and parameters such as applied force, ruler material properties, length, and projectile mass. Through controlled variable experiments combined with Tracker software analysis, it was discovered that launch velocity exhibits a nonlinear positive increase with increasing applied force. Furthermore, both the material characteristics of the ruler and its structural dimensions jointly determine the final initial velocity. This finding provides crucial experimental evidence for understanding the conversion of elastic potential energy and its associated dynamic processes.