Newtonian Projectile Launcher

This device, sometimes known as a gauss gun, uses 1/2" cube Neodynium magnets and 3/8" ball bearing, to 'launch' a single ball bearing from the end.
I have tested this with up to four blue sections (5 magnets), and it it perfectly safe to catch the bearing by hand.
The device is modular, so you can start with the two red pieces and a single white clip to hold them together with a single magnet. The red pieces have two holes to allow the use of photogates to measure the speed of the ball that starts the chain reaction as well as the speed of the ball that leaves. This allows one to calculate the energy imparted by each magnet. In addition the blue magnet sections have a single hole that would allow timing of each 'triggered' event for additional analysis (if desired).
Just on its own, it is fun to load and shoot. To load place three of the ball bearings at each magnet (on the firing side). You then drop a single ball bearing into the chute and it fires a ball bearing from the end piece. You will then have one of each three ball bearing that have moved to the next magnet. Reload and refire!
Happy Fourth of July!