Water Stream Apparatus

This is one of the demonstrations that I built for my presentations.  The Water Stream is an apparatus that shoots a constant stream of water at varying angles in front of a grid-like background.

This demonstration illustrates the parabolic path of projectiles.  It can also be used to demonstrate the angular dependence of the range of projectiles.

These were the initial plans for building the Water Stream:

Materials needed for this apparatus:

tray base to contain water and entire apparatus

water pump to produce stream of water

adjustable mount for water spout with angle of inclination marked and easily visible to audience

grid background to aid visualization of projectile path

ruler on front to measure range

In the end these were the actual materials that were used:

• large pipe to serve as the water tray
• a windshield washer fluid pump for the water pump
• adjustable arrow and spout mount were cut out of wood
• large sheet of corrogated plastic poster paper for the background
• switch to turn the pump on and off
• dyed water

Final Product that was created:
(water stream has been digitally enhanced for greater visibility)

 
 

Moving Through a Range of Angles
 
 

Things This Apparatus Demonstates:

1. As the above pictures show, the angle of the water stream can be moved through a range from 0 to 90 degrees.
2. You can demonstrate the achievement of the same range from two different angles of projection.
3. You can also demonstrate that the maximum range is achieved at 45 degrees.
4. With the grid and angle known, you can calculate the velocity of the water stream leaving the pump

Water Stream on a Moving Car Demonstration