Simplifying the vacuum bazooka

TL;DR

This paper simplifies the explanation of the vacuum bazooka using basic mechanics, providing a theoretical model and experimental validation, and suggests its use as an educational demonstration of terminal velocity.

Contribution

It offers a simplified, theory-based explanation of the vacuum bazooka using introductory mechanics concepts, supported by experimental data.

Findings

Projectile velocity is proportional to hyperbolic tangent of time

Experimental data supports the theoretical model

Vacuum bazooka can demonstrate terminal velocity in classrooms

Abstract

This paper provides a simplified explanation of the vacuum bazooka through diagrams and builds a theoretical model only using concepts found in introductory mechanics. Our theory suggests that the velocity of the projectile is proportional to the hyperbolic tangent of time, and experimental measurements support this claim. We also find that the vacuum bazooka could be used to demonstrate the concept of terminal velocity in a classroom setting.