National University of Science & Technology (NUST)

School of Natural Science (SNS)

Department of Physics, SNS

Lab Demonstrator(s): ____Mam Tooba ____

School: ____________SEECS___ Date: _________13th January

Semester: ____________1ST _ Section: _______B________

Group: ____________4___
Mini Launcher Experiment

S.n Name Reg. no.

o

1 371551

Emaan Umer

2 365738

Zubair Khalid

3 365860

Azan Hyder

4 Maryam Abid 372835

5 Umer Bashir 365847

6 Ahmed Abdullah 367962

1
 Experiment 1: Projectile Motion
1. ABSTRACT: The purpose of this experiment was to determine initial velocity of the ball as it is
launched off by the MiniLauncher by calculating its range at an angle. The height of the launcher is
kept constant throughout the experiment Tme is found theoretically by making it the subject in the
second equation and then put in the first to find initial velocity.

2. EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
– Mini Launcher and steel ball
– Plumb bob
– Meter stick
– Carbon paper
– White paper

3. Theory:
To predict where a ball will land on the floor when it is shot off a height at an angle, it is necessary to first
determine the initial speed (muzzle velocity) of the ball. This can be determined by launching the ball horizontally
(angle will be 0) and measuring the vertical and horizontal distances through which the ball travels. Then the initial
velocity can be used to calculate where the ball will land when the ball is shot at an angle.
INITIAL HORIZONTAL VELOCITY:

For a ball launched horizontally off a table with an initial speed, v o, the horizontal distance travelled by
the ball is given by x = vot, where t is the time the ball is in the air. Air friction is assumed to be
negligible.

The vertical distance the ball drops in time t is given by.

The initial velocity of the ball can be determined by measuring x and y. The time of flight of the ball can
be found using:

2y
t= g

=x
and then the initial velocity can be found using v0 t.
INITIAL VELOCITY AT AN ANGLE:

To predict the range, x, of a ball launched with an initial velocity at an angle, θ, above the horizontal,
first predict the time of flight using the equation for the vertical motion:

-y(height) = v(initial)sin θ t – 0.5gt^2

where yo is the initial height of the ball. Then use x = v0cosθ t to find the range. If the ball is shot at an
angle below the horizontal, then θ is negative.

4. Procedure:
1) Clamp the minilauncher to a stand and place it on a horizontal surface that is wide and long in order to
measure the shot of the ball.
2) Adjust the angle of the launcher so that it first has an angle of 0 degrees, then 15 degrees, and then -15
degrees. A fixed distance away (we’ve decided to take it 0.8m), place a white sheet of paper and fix it in
place so that our distance isn’t prone to errors. This fixed distance is from the launcher to the start of the
paper.
3) Place a sheet of carbon paper on it so that when the ball lands on the paper, its print is ingrained on the
paper, hence, allowing us to measure the distance it covered.
4) Use a plumb bob to find the point on the floor that is directly beneath the release point on the barrel
5) We then repeat the experiment 4-5 times to minimize any error, and the prints are all measured from the
start of the paper and then averaged to find a precise value. That average value is then added to our fixed
distance to then obtain our range.
6) Throughout this experiment, we used a theoretical value of t using our second equation, and substitute it
into our first equation to find initial velocity.

Part A: Determining the Initial Velocity of the Ball

➀ Put the ball into the Mini Launcher and cock it to the long range position. Fire one shot to
locate where the ball hits the floor. At this position, tape a piece of white paper to the
floor. Place a piece of carbon paper (carbon-side down) on top of this paper and tape it
down. When the ball hits the floor, it will leave a mark on the white paper.

➁ Fire about ten shots.

➂ Measure the vertical distance from the bottom of the ball as it leaves the barrel (this
position is marked on the side of the barrel) to the floor. Record this distance in Table
1.1.

➃. Measure the horizontal distance along the floor from the release point to the leading edge
of the paper. Record in Table 1.1.

➄ Measure from the leading edge of the paper to each of the ten dots and record these distances
in Table 1.1.

➅ Find the average of the ten distances and record the value in Table 1.1.
➆ Using the vertical distance and the average horizontal distance, calculate the time of flight
and the initial velocity of the ball. Record in Table 1.1.

➇ Calculate the Total Average Distance. Record in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1 Determining the Initial Velocity

Vertical distance = ______0.43m_______Horizontal distance to paper edge = _____0.80m_______

Calculated time of flight = _____0.296s____Initial velocity = _______3.287m/s________

Trial Number
1 17.3cm
2 17.2cm
3 17cm
 4 17.2cm
5 17.4cm
6 18cm
7 17.4cm
8 17.3cm
9 17.3cm
10 17.5cm

Average Distance 17.36cm

Total Average Distance 97.36cm

(Total Average Distance = Distance to paper edge + Average Distance)

Part B: Predicting the Range of the Ball Shot at an Angle

➀ Adjust the Mini Launcher to launch at an angle between 20 and 60 degrees above the horizontal. Record
this angle in Table 1.2.

➁ Using the initial velocity and vertical distance found in the first part of this experiment, calculate the new
time of flight and the new horizontal range for a projectile launched at the new angle. Record in Table 1.2.

➂ Draw a line across the middle of a white piece of paper and tape the paper on the floor so the line is at the
predicted horizontal distance from the Mini Launcher. Cover the paper with carbon paper.

➃ Shoot the ball ten times.

➄ Measure the ten distances and take the average. Record in Table 1.2.
DATA ANALYSIS:
➀ Calculate the Total Average Distance. Record in Table 1.2.
(Total Average Distance = Distance from Edge of Paper + Horizontal Distance to paper edge)
Our total average distance becomes 97.4cm.

➁ Calculate and record the percent difference between the predicted value and the resulting average distance
when shot at an angle.
For 15 degree, our percentage error is: Percentage error: (127-124.85)/127 * 100= 1.69%

➂ Estimate the precision of the predicted range. How many of the final 10 shots landed within this range?
Table 1.2 Confirming the Predicted Range

Angle above horizontal = ________15______ Horizontal distance to paper edge = _____1.0m_______

Calculated time of flight = _____0.4001s________Predicted Range = _____1.27m_______
 Distance from Edge of Paper
1 24.6cm
2 24.8cm
3 24.9cm
4 25cm
5 24.7cm
6 24.9cm
7 24.8cm
8 25.1cm
9 25.3cm
10 24.4cm

Average 24.85
Total Average Distance 124.85cm

Part C: Predicting the Range of the Ball Shot at a Negative Angle

➀ Adjust the Mini Launcher to launch at an angle between 10 and 40 degrees below the horizontal
and record this angle in Table 1.3.

➁ Using the initial velocity and vertical distance found in the first part of this experiment,
calculate the new time of flight and the new horizontal range for a projectile launched at
the new angle. Record in Table 1.3.

➂ Draw a line across the middle of a white piece of paper and tape the paper on the floor so
the line is at the predicted horizontal distance from the Mini Launcher. Cover the paper
with carbon paper.

➃ Shoot the ball ten times.

➄ Measure the ten distances and take the average. Record in Table 1.3.
DATA ANALYSIS:
➀ Calculate the Total Average Distance. Record in Table 1.3.
(Total Average Distance = Distance from Edge of Paper + Horizontal Distance to paper edge)
Our total average distance is 24.9cm.

➁ Calculate and record the percent difference between the predicted value and the resulting average
distance when shot at an angle.
For -15 degree, our percentage error is: Percentage error: (7.2-7.29)/7.2 * 100= 1.25%
 ➂ Estimate the precision of the predicted range. How many of the final 10 shots landed within
this range?
Precision is the average deviation from the mean position.= | x – Rm | (Rm is range mean)
124.85±0.19
CONCLUSION:
To conclude: the precision value we calculated lies within the range of error.
Table 1.3 Confirming the Predicted Range

Angle below horizontal = ______-15________Horizontal distance to paper edge = _______0.645m_____

Calculated time of flight = _______0.227s______Predicted Range = ____0.72m________
Distance from Edge of Paper
1 7cm
2 7.1cm
3 7.4cm
4 7.3cm
5 7.6cm
6 7.2cm
7 7.3cm
8 7.4cm
9 7.1cm
10 7.5cm
Total Average Distance 7.29cm

Conclusion:
We have concluded that, due to our small difference in percentage error of the experimental and theoreticl values of
range of projectile.

Experiment 2: Projecile Motion Using Photogates

1. ABSTRACT: The purpose of this experiment is to predict and verify the range of a ball launched
at an angle. Photogates were used to determine the time, and we carried on our fixed value of
initial velocity.
2. EQUIPMENT NEEDED
– Mini Launcher and steel ball – Photogate bracket
– (2) Photogates – Computer and Timing
software
– Plumb bob – Meter stick
– Carbon paper – White paper
3. Theory
To predict where a ball will land on the floor when it is shot off a table at an angle, it is necessary to first
determine the initial speed (muzzle velocity) of the ball. This can be determined by shooting the ball and
measuring the speed using photogates. To predict the range, x, of the ball when it is launched with an
initial velocity at an angle θ, above the horizontal, first predict the time of flight using the equation for
the vertical motion:

-y(height) = v(initial)sin θ t – 0.5gt^2

where yo is the fixed height of the ball. Then use x = v0 cosθ t to find the range. If the ball is shot at an
angle below the horizontal, θ is negative.

4. PROCEDURE:

➀ Clamp the Mini Launcher near one end of a sturdy table as shown in Figure 2.1.
➁ Adjust the Mini Launcher to launch either at an angle between 20 and 60 degrees above the horizontal, or
10 to 40 degrees below.

➂ Attach the photogate bracket to the Launcher and attach two photogates to the bracket. Plug the
photogates into a computer or other timer.

initial velocity
 PART A: Determining the Initial Velocity of the Ball

➀ Put the steel ball into the Mini Launcher and cock it to the long range position.
➁ Run the timing program and set it to measure the time it takes the ball to pass through both
photogates.

➂ Shoot the ball three times and take the average of these times. Record in Table 2.1.
➃ Calculate the initial speed of the ball and record it in Table 2.1. The distance between the photogates
is 10 cm.

Table 2.1 Initial Speed

Angle above or below horizontal = __0 degrees______

Readings time
1 0.0303
2 0.0304
3 0.0305

Average time 0.0304

Initial Speed 3.289

PART B: Predicting the Range of the Ball Shot at an Angle

➀ Keep the angle of the Mini Launcher at the selected angle.

➁ Measure the vertical distance from the bottom of the ball as it leaves the barrel (this position is marked on the
side of the barrel) to the floor. Record this distance in Table 2.2.

➂ Using the initial velocity and vertical distance found in Part A, calculate the time of flight and the horizontal
range for a projectile launched at the selected angle. Record in Table 2.2.

➃ Draw a line across the middle of a white piece of paper and tape the paper on the floor so the line is at the
predicted horizontal distance from the Mini Launcher. Cover the paper with carbon paper.

➄ Shoot the ball ten times.

➅ Measure the ten distances and take the average. Record in Table 2.2.
Table 2.2 Confirming the Predicted Range

Angle above or below horizontal = ______20________

Horizontal distance to paper edge = _____10_______
Calculated time of flight= _______0.437169s_____
Predicted Range = _____1.35m_______
 Distance from Edge of Paper
1 120.67
2 125.7
3 121.7
4 124.1
5 120.7
Average 122.57
Total Average Distance 132.57

Abstract
➀ Calculate the Total Average Distance. Record in Table 2.2.
(Total Average Distance = Distance from Edge of Paper + Horizontal Distance to paper edge)
122.57+10 = 132.57cm

➁ Calculate the percent difference between the predicted value and the resulting average distance
when shot at an angle.
(Predicted – Result / Result )*100 = (135-132.57/132.57)*100 = 1.83%

➂ Estimate the precision of the predicted range. How many of the final 10 shots landed within
this range?
Precision is the mean of absolute deviation from the mean range. = | x – Rm | (Rm is range
mean)
Precision result = 122.57 ±1.85

CONCLUSION:
We concluded due to the small percentage error between experimental and theoretical value of
range of projectile, that our experiment is mostly accurate besides some systematic and
random errors. A percent error of 1.83% lies in the acceptable range of error.

Experiment 3: Projectile Range Versus Angle

1. ABSTRACT: The purpose of this experiment is to find how the range of the ball depends on the
angle at which it is launched. The angle that gives the greatest range is determined for two cases:
launching on level ground and launching off a table.
2. EQUIPMENT NEEDED
– Mini Launcher and steel ball – Plumb bob
– Measuring tape or meter stick – Carbon
paper
– Graph paper – White
paper
3. Theory
The range is the horizontal distance, x, between the muzzle of the Launcher and the place
where the ball lands. The range is given by x = (v 0cosθ)t, where v0 is the initial speed of
the ball as it leaves the muzzle, θ is the angle of inclination above horizontal, and t is the
time of flight. See figure 3.1.
v0

Figure 3.1: Shooting on a level surface

For the case in which the ball lands at the same elevation from which it was launched, the
time of flight of the ball will be twice the time it takes the ball the reach the peak of its
trajectory. At the peak, the vertical velocity is zero so

v(vertical)=0=vosin θ-gt

sin
Therefore, solving for the time gives the total time of flight as t = 2tpeak = 2 v0 θ/g
For the case in which the ball is launched at an angle from a table onto the floor, (See Figure 3.2) the time
of flight is found using the
equation for the vertical motion: v0

θ
Y=yo+(vosin θ)t-0.5gt^2

y0

Figure 3.2: Shooting off the table

where y is the initial height of the ball
x
and y is the position of the ball when
it hits the floor.
o

4. PROCEDURE

➀ Clamp the Mini Launcher near one end of a sturdy table with the Launcher aimed so the ball will land on the
table. The square nut in the T-slot should be positioned near the muzzle.

➁ Adjust the angle of the Mini Launcher to ten degrees.

➂ Put the steel ball into the Mini Launcher and cock it to the chosen position.

1)SHOOTING ON A LEVEL
SURFACE

➀ Fire one shot to locate where the ball

hits the table. At this position, tape a
piece of white paper to the table.
Place a piece of carbon paper
(carbon-side down) on top of this
paper and tape it down. When the
ball hits the table, it will leave a Figure 3.3: Setup to shoot on level surface mark on the white
paper.

➁ Fire about five shots.

➂ Measure the horizontal distance from the launch position of the ball to the leading edge of the paper. Record
in Table 3.1.

➃ Measure from the leading edge of the paper to each of the five dots and record these distances in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1 Shooting on a Level Surface

Horz. Distance

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

1 60.8 91.7 111.3 122.3 123.3 112.1 91.6 60.8

2 60.7 91.8 112.3 122.8 123.2 112.4 91.7 60.9
3 60.9 91.9 111.9 122.5 122.9 112.1 91.8 60.4
4 60.6 91.6 112 122.4 123 112.3 92 61
5 60.8 92 112.8 122.8 123.1 112.2 91 60.4

Average 60.76 91.8 112.06 122.56 123.1 112.22 91.62 60.7

Paper 30 26 20 15 16 20 26 30
Dist.
Total 91.52 117.8 132.06 137.56 139.1 132.22 117.62 90.7
Dist.

➄ Increase the angle by 10 degrees and repeat all the steps.

➅ Repeat for angles up to and including 80 degrees.
 2) SHOOTING OFF THE TABLE

Clamp the Mini Launcher as shown in Fig 3.4 so that the ball will hit the floor. Repeat steps 1 through 6
and record the data in Table 3.2. You can use a plumb bob to find the point directly beneath the launch
position of the ball.

Abstract
➀ Find the average of the five distances in each case and
Figure 3.4: Setup
record in Tables 3.1 and 3.2.

➁ Add the average distance to the distance to the leading edge of the paper to find the total distance
(range) in each case. Record in Tables 3.1 and 3.2.

➂ For each data table, plot the range vs. angle and draw a smooth curve through the points. Table
3.2 Shooting Off the Table

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Horz. Distance

1 116.8 133.8 145.8 150.5 150 146.6 133.3 116.8

2 117.1 133.5 146.8 150.2 149.7 145 133.6 117.3
3 116.8 133.3 145.9 150.3 149.8 144.8 133.5 116.9
4 116.7 133.9 146.3 150.7 151.2 145.7 131.9 117.2
5 117 133.1 145.1 150.9 150.4 145 133 117

Average 116.88 133.52 145.98 150.52 150.22 145.42 133.06 117.04

Paper 30 26 20 15 15 20 26 30
Dist.
Total 146.88 159.52 165.98 165.52 165.22 165.42 159.06 147.05
Dist.

GRAPH-RANGE VS ANGLE(ON THE TABLE):

 Graph range vs. angle(OFF THE TABLE):

Range (cm)

Angle (degrees)

Questions
➀ From the graph, what angle gives the maximum range for each case?
ANS. At the angle, 44.8 degrees. The max height is approximately 150.2cm.
➁ Is the angle for the maximum range greater or less for shooting off the table?
ANS. The angle is approximately the same for both off the table and onto a level surface.
For off the table approx. = 44.8, on the table approx. = 45.
➂ Is the maximum range further when the ball is shot off the table or on the level surface?
ANS. The maximum range is larger when the ball is shot off the table as compared to the ball being shot on
the level surface.

CONCLUSION:
To conclude we can say that the maximum value for range, attained by the ball is greater when fired while the mini
launcher is positioned to direct the path of trajectory off the table, as compared to the max range found while ball
was shot on the table.