gauss-rifleThis article has all the information you need to complete a Linear Accelerator (Gauss Rifle) Science Fair Project, including instructional step-by-step video, documentation, required forms, experimentation tips and tricks, and how to squeeze your great idea into the scientific method. Using the principles of momentum and magnetics, you'll build a record-fast accelerator you can fire across the room from the palm of your hand.

[am4show have='p9;p63;' guest_error='Guest error message' user_error='User error message' ] Step 1: Download the Project Guide.

Step 2: Watch the video here...... but note that this video is LOOOOOONG - nearly 2 hours! We just didn't want to forget anything, and we also wanted to give you all the best information we have, so enjoy! (And you'll find that the video intro is the same as the last project's.) If you just want the Linear Accelerator video itself without all the Science Fair stuff, click here for project-only video.


Step 3: Download the parts list and data sheet. (You'll need the free Adobe Reader view the PDF files.)

magnet-ball-bearings

Need parts? Click here to order the magnets and steel ball bearings.

magnets

Step 4: Set up and do your experiment.

Step 5: Log your data and chart your graphs. Click here for sample Excel file.

Step 6: Write your report. You'll find a sample report in the Project Guide.

Step 7 : Build your display board and exhibit. Find tips & tricks in both the video and the Project Guide. Click here to view the sample display board format. [/am4show]

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Comments

5 Responses to “Linear Accelerator Project”

  1. andrea alfred says:

    We solved the problem. We used tape to hold the magnets because we did not have any elastics, and the sides of the magnets were covered in tape. When we cut the tape so the sides of the magnets were not covered it worked! I am surprised the tape was enough to stop it from working, do you have any idea why?

  2. It’s hard to know without seeing your actual experiment, but here’s my best guess… if nothing happens, I would recheck the magnets before you fire it. It sounds like one or more wasn’t in the right spot. Feel free to send me a quick video or photos to [email protected]

  3. andrea alfred says:

    Hi,

    We built the linear accelerator, we are quite certain all the magnets were lined up correctly, but nothing happens. Do you have any suggestions what we should check?