1.
Introduction
This is my Physics internal assessment. It will be investing projectile motion. Projectile motion is a concept
that we see in our everyday lives but we don't notice it, since learning projectile motion I noticed that
normally people associate the range and height of a projectile only with the force it is launched at, not the
angle it is thrown at, nor the terrain they are on. These are important as well, for example since I have
always been fascinated by defence technologies, I know that the military doesn't conduct its artillery tests in
ideal conditions but rather on sloped or inclined regions to simulate real-world situations, where the range
and the maximum height are important to avoid obstacles and recognition. This is why I decided to conduct
a practical exploration of my own to better understand the concept of projectile motion in the real world
through the following research question:
‘How does launch angle impact the range and maximum height of a projectile on
an inclined plane?’
2. Background information
Projectile motion is when an object follows a parabolic path due to the influence of gravity where the
horizontal component of velocity is constant and the vertical component changes due to gravitational
acceleration1. The projectile follows a symmetrical path if there isn't an incline however in this case due to
the incline, the projectile hits the incline before the path is symmetrical. The diagram below shows the path
of a projectile on an inclined plane.
Figure 2.1- Projectile launched on an inclined plane
2.1 Derivation of the equations:
The range of a projectile is dependent on the initial velocity (u), gravitational acceleration (g) (9.807), and
the angle of launch (𝛼) but with an incline, we add one more variable which is the incline angle (𝛳).
The derivation begins with the standard formula 𝑑 = 𝑣𝑡 and in terms of initial and final velocity and
displacement, it becomes
1
Tsokos, K. A. Physics for the IB Diploma. Cambridge University Press, 2016.
2
Vedantu. “Projectile on Inclined Plane, Time of Flight and Trajectory for Jee.” VEDANTU, Vedantu, 29 Nov. 2022,
https://www.vedantu.com/iit-jee/projectile-motion-on-inclined-plane.
1
𝑆= ( )· 𝑡
𝑢+𝑣
2
(1)
This equation is derived by the use of a velocity-time graph where the area below the curves is the
displacement. The second equation we will be using is
𝑣 = 𝑢 + 𝑎𝑡 (2)
which is rearranged from the equation
𝑣−𝑢
𝑎= 𝑡−0
which is the rate of change of velocity over the rate of change of time that gives the acceleration.
Substituting formula (2) in formula (1)
𝑆= ( 𝑢+𝑢+𝑎𝑡
2 )· 𝑡
This equation can be simplified where acceleration is due to gravity (g) to get
1 2
𝑆 = 𝑢𝑡 − 2
𝑔𝑡
Since we know that the projectile follows a symmetrical parabolic path we know that displacement in terms
of 𝑦 is 0 but for an incline, we need to consider the inclined plane as the x-axis which gives a parabolic path.
The acceleration has to be perpendicular to the axis however it isn't due to the incline, which is why we need
to factor in the incline which will change the g component to 𝑔𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝛳). Since the y-axis is also tilted the y
velocity component changes to 𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝛼) as seen in the diagram above. The equation after these changes:
1 2
0 = 𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝛼)𝑡 − 2
𝑔𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝛳)𝑡
Now we need to make t the subject
2𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝛼)
𝑡= 𝑔𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝛳)
Now the substitute 𝑡 to find the range which is the displacement in terms of the x component of velocity
where 𝑢𝑥 = 𝑢𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝑎) and the g component to 𝑔𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝛳) gives us
1 2
𝑅 = 𝑢𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝛼)𝑡 − 2
𝑔𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝛳)𝑡
2𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝛼) 2
𝑅 = 𝑢𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝛼) ( 2𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝛼)
𝑔𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝛳) ) −
1
2
𝑔𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝛳)( 𝑔𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝛳))
Giving us the final equation for range:
2
𝑢 ·[𝑠𝑖𝑛(2𝛼+𝛳)−𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝛳)]
𝑅= 2 (3)
𝑔𝑐𝑜𝑠 (𝛳)
2
Now for the height we will use equation (1) and (2) where we will substitute t from (2) into (1) giving
2 2
𝑣 − 𝑢 = 2𝑎𝑠, we know that 𝑣𝑦 = 0 at the maximum and 𝑢𝑦 = 𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝛼) and 𝑎 =− 𝑔𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝛳) it gives us
2 2
0 − (𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝛼)) = 2(− 𝑔𝑜𝑠(𝛳))(𝐻)
Make H the subject and it gives the maximum height:
2 2
𝑢 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝛼)
𝐻= 2𝑔𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝛳)
(4)
3. Hypothesis
I hypothesize that as the angle gets closer to the perpendicular to the ground, the maximum height will
◦
increase, but the range will be affected differently as it will have a maximum around 45 to the ground and
◦
reduce as it increases or decreases from 45 .
4. Variables
4.1 Independent variable:
Different launch angles of the projectile were used, and all angles were measured using a clinometer with an
error margin of ±1°
4.2 Dependant variables:
- The range of the projectile on the incline from origin to the first bounce
- The maximum height of the projectile from the inclined plane
Both were measured using the application Tracker where the motion was tracked frame by frame, where the
error margin is ±0.001 m so we can investigate the relationship between these values and the angle of
launch.
4.3 Controlled variables:
Table 4.1 - Controlled variables
Variable Reason How is it controlled
A wooden incline plane was kept
As we are measuring the relation
at 10° which is 𝛳 by fixing one
of launch angle to range and
Incline side to the edge of the table and a
height on an incline, the incline
supporting brick on the other side
has to be kept constant.
under the plane to set the angle.
Because we only want
gravitational acceleration in the
vertical direction and no
No external force will be applied
Acceleration acceleration horizontally so the
after launch.
equations we have derived can
hold true and accurately
compared.
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The ball needs to be of the same
Size, shape and mass of the shape, size and mass so that the Using the same ball for each of
projectile (ball) effect of air resistance and gravity the launches
is the same for every launch
The initial velocity has to be kept Using the same projectile
constant for all launches so that launcher with the same spring
Initial velocity
we can relate range and height to and its compression for each
angle fairly. launch.
As it affects the resistance which
Conducting the experiment in the
then impacts the path followed by
Airflow same closed room with no or
the ball which affects the
negligible airflow
readings
5. Apparatus
Table 5.1 - Apparatus
Name Purpose Uncertainty
Launch the projectile at a
Projectile launcher -
constant initial velocity.
Measure the angle of the launch
Clinometer ±1°
of the projectile
To create an incline where the
Inclined plane -
projectile lands on
To measure the length of the
100 cm ruler ±0.001 m
inclined plane
To measure the incline of the
Protractor ±0.5°
inclined plane from the x-axis
To clamp the launcher to the edge
clamp -
of the table
To be used as the projectile which
Steel ball -
is launched
To Track the motion of the
projectile to give us the range and
Tracker and graphing application ±0.001 m
height as well as the initial
velocity
To record a video of the projectile
Camera -
being launched
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5.1 Diagrammatic representation of experimental setup
Figure 5.1- Experimental setup
6. Methodology
6.1 Procedure:
1. Set up the apparatus and the camera perpendicular to it for a clear view.
2. Start with an angle of (𝑎) as 30°.
3. Set the launcher on the minimum force setting and insert the metal ball.
4. Start recording.
5. Launch the projectile.
6. End the recording.
7. Repeat steps 2 to 6, 5 times for one angle.
8. Now repeat steps 2 to 7 for angles 35°,40°,45°,50°,55°,60°,65°, and 70°.
9. Use the Tracker app and track the projectile in all of the videos.
10. Find the initial velocity for each launch and the equation of the parabolic path the projectile
follows.
11. Record this data.
12. Use the equation and input it into graphing software and find out the range and height
through intercepts and maximum points for each of the sample videos taken.
13. Record this data in a data table.
6.2 Risk assessment:
● Safety goggles should be worn so that you don't get hit by the projectile and damage your
eyes.
● A safe distance should be kept while pulling the string to release the projectile to prevent
injuries.
● Direct the projectile in a way it is clear of fragile items or people to avoid damage and injury.
● The Inclined plane should be as sturdy as possible so that it doesn't slip and fall.
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7. Raw data
Table 7.1 - Raw range data
Table 7.2 - Raw height data
8. Processed data
8.1 Range:
Table 8.1.1 - Experimental range data
8.1.1 Sample calculation:
- There isn't any error for this, as all of the values are fixed and known, this data is to compare the
experimental data with.
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2
𝑢 ·[𝑠𝑖𝑛(2𝛼+𝛳)−𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝛳)]
𝑆𝑥 = 2
𝑔𝑐𝑜𝑠 (𝛳)
- where 𝑢 = 3 𝑚/𝑠 and 𝛼 = 30° and the constant 𝛳 = 10° and g is 9.807,
2
(3) ·[𝑠𝑖𝑛(2(30)+10)−𝑠𝑖𝑛(10)]
𝑆𝑥 = 2
𝑔𝑐𝑜𝑠 (10)
- 𝑆𝑥 = 0.725 m
Table 8.1.2 - Theoretical range data
8.2 Height:
Table 8.2.1 - Experimental height data
8.2.1 Sample calculation:
- There isn't any error for this, as all of the values are fixed and known, this data is to compare the
experimental data with.
2 2
𝑢 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝛼)
𝐻= 2𝑔𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝛳)
- where 𝑢 = 3 𝑚/𝑠 and 𝛼 = 30° and the constant 𝛳 = 10° and g is 9.807,
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2 2
(3) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (30)
𝐻= 2𝑔𝑐𝑜𝑠(10)
- 𝐻 = 0.117 m
Table 8.2.2 - Theoretical height data
9. Graphs
Graph 1: Range comparison
2 2
For the experimental data 𝑅 = 0. 9973, trend line is 𝑦 = − 0. 0005𝑥 + 0. 0355𝑥 + 0. 1185
2 2
For the theoretical data 𝑅 = 0. 9995, trend line is 𝑦 = − 0. 0005𝑥 + 0. 0416𝑥 − 0. 0452
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Graph 2: Height comparison
2
For the experimental data 𝑅 = 0. 9985, trend line is
−6 3 2
𝑦= − 2. 667 * 10 𝑥 + 0. 0004𝑥 − 0. 0103𝑥 + 0. 1486
2 2
For the theoretical data 𝑅 = 1, the trend line is 𝑦 = 0. 466(𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝛼))
10. Analysis
Graph 1 shows the change in the range depending on the launch angle. The green points are for the
experimental data and the blue ones are the data collected from the equation. Both these lines follow a
Parabolic trend as seen, this means that at a certain angle, it will give us a maximum range which in this
case is 40° for an incline of 10° and as you go further at regular intervals both lower and greater from 40°, it
will give a very similar or identical range due to how sin and cos work which is seen in Processed data table
8.2.2. This is very similar to my hypothesis which stated that the maximum would be around 45° and reduce
or increase as you move further, however, it shows 40° as the maximum, while hypothesising I didn't factor
in the incline and that it will land before the ground level. In the graph, you can see the range from the
theoretical data goes below the x-axis after 80° this is because the direction changes and it happens at 80°
because of the 10° incline which helps prove the equation since on a flat surface, the range is 0 at 90° and 80
2
°+10°= 90°. The experimental data has a 𝑅 = 0. 9973 which shows that the data collected has high
accuracy and the regression line passes through or is extremely close to the data points. It shows little to no
error or variation in the data. The error bars are extremely small or negligible, showing that the standard
2
deviation is almost 0. The theoretical data has a 𝑅 = 0. 9995 since all the points come from an equation. It
also won't have any error bars for the same reasons. When comparing both data sets, you can see that they
nearly overlap. As seen in the equations of the regression lines the y-intercept is near 0 which should be the
case as at an angle of 0° it wouldn’t launch. All this proves that this equation can be used to model the
relationship of the range for the different launch angles on an incline.
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Graph 2 shows the change in Maximum height with a change in the angle of launch. Just like in graph 1,
the green points are for experimental data and the blue for the theoretical data. The regression follows a
Sinusoidal path which shows the height increases with the angle, this is exactly what I hypothesized when
the angle gets closer to the perpendicular to the ground the maximum height will increase, and as the angle
goes above 90° the height will start to reduce again as the direction of the launch becomes opposite. The
reason why it follows such a regression line can be explained through the equation
2 2
𝑢 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝛼)
𝐻= 2𝑔𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝛳)
Here we know that 𝛳, 𝑔 and 𝑢 are all constant values for our experiment which leaves us with
2
𝐻 = 𝑘𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝛼) in our case the 𝑘 = 0. 4659
This means k is our amplitude for the sin2 graph which proves that when H is plotted as a function of 𝛼, it
2
gives a sinusoidal curve. The experimental data has a 𝑅 = 0. 9985 showing low variation and high
accuracy. The error bars are also negligible as they are barely visible in the graph. For the theoretical data,
2
we can see a perfect 𝑅 = 1. That is because the data came from an equation. Comparing both the data
points we can see they nearly overlap which is why we can say that the equation holds true for this.
Overall the data was accurate and gave a correct representation of the relationship between the angle of
launch and the height and range of a projectile launched on an inclined plane as well as proved the equations
are correct.
10.1 Error analysis:
10.1.1 Error calculation:
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 − 𝐸𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙
- || 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙
× 100|| = 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒
0.725 − 0.762
- Eg. || 0.725
× 100|| = 5. 103%
Table 10.2 - Range error Table 10.3 - Height error
The data above shows the percentage difference between the theoretical and experimental values. We can
see that most of the differences are below 5% which shows that the equation used to model the range and
height is accurate and can be used to calculate the ranges and heights with high accuracy. However, among
these results, there is one with a 14.24% error which is much higher than the rest which shows it is an
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anomaly it may be due to human error in setting the angle of the launcher or plotting the values on Tracker.
The standard deviation seen in tables 8.1.1 and 8.2.1 is the absolute error for each of the readings and it is
very close to 0 also visible in the error bars in the graphs which shows the accuracy of the experiment and
that the readings are very reliable and accurate. Overall the experiment is accurate and has little to no errors
and the equations derived can be used to represent the relationship between the launch angle and range and
height.
11. Evaluation
Table 11.1 - Errors and limitations
Errors Type Source of error Effect of error Possible improvements
Make a hole in the
inclined plane for the
Launcher wasn't launcher to be placed in
Gives an increased
Launcher placed at the origin rather than using a
Systematic range and maximum
placement and where the incline graphing software like I
height for each launch
begins did to plot the path of the
projectile to compensate
for the difference.
The inclined plane Design a specific stand for
The setup was held by
Sturdiness Random slightly slides on top the inclined plane so it sits
2 wooden blocks
of it perfectly and doesn't move
The projectile is hard
to identify on Tracker Use a darker and larger
The cardboard sheet
Background Random as the colour is very cardboard sheet to cover
in the back
similar to that of the the entire frame
background
Use a better launcher
The launches are
Type of The launcher was without a spring like a
Random uneven with different
launcher spring based and old tennis ball launcher with
velocities
counter-rotating wheels
Use a projectile that is
The ball's velocity is
Air streamlined or conduct the
Systematic Air in the room reduced due to air
resistance readings in a vacuum
resistance
chamber
Directly changes the
Use a digital goniometer
range and height for
Angle measurements to measure the angles and
Human Random the set angle and
and Tracker plotting take more readings from
changes the equation
Tracker.
of the path followed
11.1 Weaknesses:
My experiment was extremely time-consuming as I had to use Tracker and there were lots of videos to
record. I also could have taken a smaller angle interval of 2° rather than 5° to get a better graph. I also
should have taken a larger range of angles from 0° to 90° so that I can accurately compare it with my
theoretical data.
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11.2 Strengths:
My experiment was highly accurate in terms of standard deviation and percentage differences which shows
that the readings were almost perfect. There was little to no error in taking readings for range and height due
to the use of Tracker and a graphing software which increases the accuracy. I used a 240 fps camera which
helps better plot the motion on Tracker increasing the accuracy. The clinometer was also very accurate up to
1°. My experimental readings wear a near-perfect match to the theoretical values which proves that the
equation I derived is accurate. The setup was easy to get done and the materials required were easily
available in the school lab.
12. Conclusion
To conclude, I think that this experiment was successful since it was able to accurately prove the relationship
between the angle of launch and range and maximum height on an inclined plane. My hypothesis was also
correct to an extent as it correctly identified the trend which is proved by both of the R2 values being
extremely close to 1 and the percentage differences mostly less than 5% as well as the little standard
deviation show how small the errors were. It can be concluded that the equations derived above can be used
to calculate the range and height on an inclined plane respectively with high accuracy.
13. Further investigation
To further investigate this concept of projectile motion we can change the independent variable from the
angle of launch to the angle of incline and investigate how a change in the angle of incline affects the range
and height of a projectile. We can also introduce different shapes of a projectile with different surface areas
whilst keeping the force applied and mass constant and investigate the effect on the range and height of the
projectile.
14. References
- Physics Data Booklet - IB Physics Tutor.
https://www.ibphysicstutor.net/physics_Data_booklet.pdf.
- Post author: Vikas Sir (Vikas Meel - IIT Delhi), and Enter your name or username to
comment. “Projectile Motion along an Incline: JEE Main: Jee Advanced.” AceJEE, 10 Sept.
2021, https://acejee.com/blog/projectile-motion-along-an-incline/.
- Tsokos, K. A. Physics for the IB Diploma. Cambridge University Press, 2016.
- Vedantu. “Projectile on Inclined Plane, Time of Flight and Trajectory for Jee.” VEDANTU,
Vedantu, 29 Nov. 2022, https://www.vedantu.com/iit-jee/projectile-motion-on-inclined-plane.
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