Rail gun, Physics project for Engineering fair. Help calculating the speed of the ball to assure professor that we wont be too dangerous.?

Posted on 2016-03-31 18:58:00 in Engineering by DUEK

I have to make a rail gun for my Engineering 1010 class. I understand the basic concepts behind this project... However, I have never taken a Physics class. However I have been told that I need to provide the calculations showing the speed of the projectile. and after attempting to find the solution I am stumped. If anyone could save me on this one I would really appreciate it. 

Materials/Dimensions 
1/2" steel balls 
14.1748 grams 

Rails are made of copper and will be 1/2" apart. They are solid and measure 18" total but after bending to attach wires will be 17" x 1/4" x 1/4" 

The current will be delivered via a 20 Volt Capacitor. 
The ball only has to go 10 - 15 feet which is why we are using a low voltage. 

I have no idea if this is enough information to cover the calculations required but I am happy to provide anything else I can. 

I am hoping that with this information someone could tell me what an estimated meter/second or foot/second would be. 

Thank you for any help you all can provide.

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