C13AR6 Studio shot of bullet coming out of gun barrel. Image shot 2010. Exact date unknown.

Recently came out this nice article on the ballistic pendulum by Rhett Allain, associate professor at Southeastern Louisiana University.

In case you would not know, a ballistic pendulum is a device that uses mechanics to measure the momentum and velocity of a projectile like…a bullet.  If you don’t like fire arms, fair enough, this is also how punch machines work in most fun fairs!!

What is nice is that it relies on the very profound principles of mechanics that we are learning right now in the school of Math & Physics. So if you want to learn more about what can the mechanics you are learning be used for, do not hesitate to have a read.