Change stored energy into motion

The Physics Joule Gun is a capacitor discharge apparatus that demonstrates how stored electrical energy is converted into mechanical motion through electromagnetism. Students charge a bank of switchable capacitors and release the stored energy through a low-resistance coil, launching a small steel projectile with a controlled pulse. This hands-on system allows investigation of energy storage (½CV²), capacitor behavior, magnetic force, projectile motion, and energy efficiency in a single classroom device. 

Why Teachers Love the Physics Joule Gun

• Powerful Energy Transformations in One Device – Students see electrical energy stored in capacitors convert into electromagnetic force and then kinetic energy, making abstract energy concepts concrete and measurable.

• Multiple Variables for Meaningful Data Analysis – Adjust voltage and capacitance to investigate how stored energy affects projectile motion, efficiency, and system losses — ideal for graphing, modeling, and quantitative lab reports.
• Built for Repeatable, Classroom-Ready Investigations – The switchable capacitor bank, low-resistance coil, and push-button firing mechanism make setup straightforward and allow for consistent, repeatable launches that support reliable data collection.