What could be the source errors for this experiment?
L=~ In this experiment, you will be provided a slingshot mounted on an inclinable platform and a projectile that can be fired by the slingshot. Procedure With the platform and the slingshot at some predetermined angle, load the slingshot, and then pull it back so that the rubber tubing is deflected from its no-load position. Fire the slingshot, and then measure the horizontal range of the projectile. Repeat several times, with the same projectile, in order to obtain statistical data. From this data, determine the initial velocity of the specific projectile fired. (Your result will apply only to your projectile and your slingshot.) Be sure to record which slingshot apparatus and projectile you used. Once the initial velocity of the projectile has been established, develop a relationship between the angle of elevation of the slingshot and (1) the horizontal range of the slingshot, (2) its initial launch height, and (3) the initial velocity determined above. (While determining the initial velocity of your projectile, you may have noticed some correlation between the value of the initial velocity and the range of the projectile. At this point in our study of physics, we are not able to determine an exact mathematical description of this correlation, but a graphical analysis may prove quite helpful.) Next (most likely several weeks later), the instructor will place a target at some random distance trom the slingshot. Using this distance, the same projectile, the same slingshot apparatus, and the same pull-back, the angle of elevation required for the projectile to strike the target must be predicted. Each group will be given three practice shots at the target in order to test their formulae and theories. Any necessary modifications must be made at this time. Predictions must be based on "sound" physics and mathematics. Finally, each group will be given a fixed number of shots (as specified by the instructor) at the target using their predicted angle of elevation (this is required, and will be verified by the instructor). Grades may be determined based on the performance of each group in comparison to the performances of the other groups (in other words, this is a competition). For this reason, all mathematical derivations and relationships should be retained by, and available to, only the members of the group that developed them, and, of course, the instructor. o Experiment 5: No Hunting or Trespassing Hints for Project A While performing this experiment, undoubtedly a discrepancy will arise between theoretical predictions and experimental results. Of course, a thorough analysis of the experimental sources of error should address the many difticult-to-control variables that contribute greatly to the uncertainties involved (e.g., the ability of the person launching the projectile to fire it in an identical manner each time.) But several systematic variables or sources of error emerge during the experiment that require consideration. These include the tollowing: e Change in launch height resulting from tilting the inclinable platform. * Recession of the launch position resulting from tilting the inclinable platform. * Diminishing of the initial velocity of the projectile resulting from tilting the inclinable platform. (Hint: compare the total energy of the projectile in the ready-to-fire position to the total energy of the projectile in the just-after-fired position.) The apparent discrepancy in initial velocity of the projectile due to the cumulative eftects of air resistance during the projectile's flight. The most eftective way to approach this tactor may be to utilize a graphical analysis of the correlation between the range of the projectile and the calculated initial velocity of the projectile. The graphical analysis suggested under the fourth item should prove quite valuable; otherwise, the items listed above only require description and censideration in terms of the impact they have on the uncertainties in this experiment. If you (as a team) choose to analyze them quantitatively, you have your work cut out for you (and our undying admiration it you accomplish an exhaustive quantitative analysis)
