Projectile Ni Noel
Projectile Ni Noel
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Noel Brylle D. Vagilidad
Experiment #1
PROJECTILE MOTION
Abstract
The purpose of this experiment was to investigate how launch angle and force of
ejection impact the trajectory of a projectile. To do so, we used a projectile launcher,
time of flight accessory, and Xplorer GLX data logger to launch a plastic ball at various
angles and measure its speed and distance traveled. Starting at 15 degrees, we
increased the launch angle in increments up to 75 degrees and recorded the initial
speed and time of flight for each launch. Our findings indicated that increasing the
launch angle resulted in a higher initial speed and longer duration of flight for the
projectile. Using equations to calculate horizontal distance, we were able to determine
the angle that provided the greatest range. This experiment provided valuable insight
into the physics of projectile motion and may have practical applications for
organizations using catapults or other launch mechanisms.
I. OBJECTIVES
• Xplorer GLX
• Projectile Launcher
• Plastic Balls
• Photogate Port
• Photogate Head
• Photogate Mounting Bracket
• Time of Flight Accessory
• Universal Table Clamp
III. PROCEDURE
1. Set up the materials and the Xplorer GLX
2. Make sure the plastic ball will land at the same level as the muzzle of the
launcher.
3. Put the plastic ball into the projectile launcher. Cock the launcher to the short
range position.
4. Test fire the ball at an angle of 15° to locate where the ball lands.
5. Reload the ball into the projectile launcher, and cock the launcher to the
shortrange position.
6. Press Play Button of the GLX to start recording data.
7. Shoot the ball on the short-range position. After the ball hits the Time-of-
Flight pad, press Play Button of the GLX to stop data recording. Record the
initial speed and time of flight.
8. Compute horizontal distance, R1 using the equation, 𝑅1 =𝑣0𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃𝑡𝑇.
As the angle of a projectile increases, its initial speed and flight duration also
increase. However, the data may not be entirely reliable due to high error rates
and other factors that could impact the trajectory of the projectile. Further
research is needed to confirm these findings and better understand the
relationship between angle, initial speed, and flight duration.
R1
R2
V. COMPUTATIONS
R1 = V0 cosθt
= (4.287)cos 45°(0.628)
= 1. 904
R2 = V0 ²sin2θ/9.8
= (4.287)²sin(90)/9.8
=1.875
% Difference = [R1-R2/R1+R2/2)%100
= [1.904-1.875/1.904+1.875/2]%100
= 4.320%
Questions and Applications
making it xmax =
Are there any two angles which will give the same range? If so,
what are
they? If not, why not?
2. Yes, because this can be observed by looking at the table. The angles that
share or will have the equivalent extent are 30 degrees and 60 degrees,
15 degrees and 75 degrees, and also 40 degrees and 50 degrees
because they complement each other. When you sum these angles, they
add up to 90 degrees, indicating that their extents are the same or nearly
identical to their respective complementing angles.
3. Plot a graph of launch angle vs. range. What is the best launch angle for
maximum range?
Chart Title
2
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
1 2 3 4 5
R1 R2
VI. Conclusion
Other Factors that could affect the results of this experiment include the
consistency of the force of ejection, the angle of the launcher, and potential
variations in the mass of the plastic ball. Additionally, external factors such as air
resistance and wind could have influenced the trajectory of the projectile. To
improve the reliability of future experiments, it may be beneficial to use more
precise and consistent equipment, control for environmental factors, and
increase the number of trials conducted.