Projectile Motion Lab

Overview

With projectile motion, two variables can be of utmost importance:

1. maximum height reached (determines length of time in the air)
2. horizontal distance a projectile travels

Questions

What is the angle required to obtain:

1. a maximum height, and therefore maximum time in the air?
2. a maximum horizontal distance?

Background/Theory

Use the equations developed for projectile motion to determine flight time and horizontal distance travelled.

Hypothesis

Use the equations developed in theory to help make a hypothesis that answers the questions posed.

Experimental Design

Design and build a piece of equipment that would allow launching a projectile (in this case a spring) with a fixed velocity at a variable angle. See the example Spring Launcher. Launch the spring with consistent initial velocity by extending it by the same amount each time. Launch the spring at various angles and note in a table the horizontal distance travelled, the maximum height attained, and time taken (time may be measured or calculated).

Write a note which includes diagrams, materials list, and a table of observations. Analysis

1. Submit a picture, diagram, or video of your launcher.
2. Make graphs of
3. height vs. angle
4. distance vs. angle
5. Compare your graph results with hypothesis (Does the experiment refute or support your hypothesis?).
6. Determine the "muzzle" velocity of the launcher. (Find vi)
7. Determine the experimental percent error.
8. Describe at least two sources of error present in this investigation, and state two ways in which the error present could be reduced.
   1. Answer the initial questions in complete and meaningful sentences.
   2. Give reasons for your experimental error (random and systemic).