Who created the first working ballistics pendulum?

Dr. Benjamin Robins is credited with creating the first working ballistics pendulum in the 18th century. His work was significant because it allowed for the measurement of the velocity of projectiles, which was crucial for the study of ballistics. The ballistics pendulum works by capturing a projectile in a swinging arm, measuring how far the arm swings back after the impact, which can then be used to calculate the projectile's speed based on principles of conservation of momentum and energy.

The other individuals mentioned had notable contributions in different areas: Louis Flobert is known for inventing the rimfire cartridge and the first practical air rifle, Isaac Newton made foundational contributions to physics and mathematics but did not design ballistics devices, and Alfred Nobel is famous for inventing dynamite and establishing the Nobel Prizes. While all these figures played important roles in science and innovation, it is Dr. Benjamin Robins who is recognized for his pioneering work with the ballistics pendulum.