Force Tracker

Overview

The Force Tracker facilitates a lay understanding of air resistance. 

The toy is comprised of a toy air gun,  several soft projectiles of different masses and sizes fired by the gun and a target with a display.

The child will position the target at some distance away, specify the amount of force by pumping the gun and fire the projectile.

The target will display the impact force of the projectile.  Understandably, the displayed force is lower than the force recorded by the air gun.  The loss is to friction incurred by the projectile en route to the target.

This toy will demonstrate how the friction force due to air resistance varies with varying target distances, initial force, size and shape of the projectile and locations and temperatures (outside vs. inside).

Cost to make: ~$20.  The most expensive items are the pressure gauge, force calculator and the target material.  The cost of most other items (e.g. bullets) is insignificant.

Durability: >2 years. The plastic gun features a simple air pump and pressure reader.  The target is made from impact-sensitive material and a battery operated force calculator and display.  The projectiles are from a soft, rubber-type substance.

Safety: requires reasonable handling.   Safe for most ages under normal use conditions.  The projectiles are soft and cannot cause serious paint or injury other than to the eye.

Audience: children aged 8 - 14.  It is necessary to exercise a certain amount of care and force to operate the toy. Children under age 8 may use Force Tracker if assisted and supervised by adult.  Teenagers older than 14 will not find it fun.

(c) 2003 David Mitchell.  All rights reserved.