National University of Science and Technology (NUST) School of Natural

Sciences (SNS)

Department of Physics, SNS

Applied Physics Lab (PHY-104)
Lab Demonstrator(s): Umar Farooq

School: SEECS Date: [25-10-2024]

Semester: 1st Section: BESE-15B

LAB 03: MINI-LAUNCHER

GROUP 7

S. Name CMS ID
No.
1. Arslan Ali 502198
2. Muhammad Abdullah Rana 508388
3. Saad Bilal 521533
4. Anan Khan 506644

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 National University of Science and Technology (NUST) School of Natural
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5. Huzaifa Sohail 508652

6. Danyal Aqeel 503823

EXPERIMENT 1: Determination of the

value of x by PASCO Mini-Launcher

Abstract:
This experiment focused on determining the initial velocity of a projectile using the
PASCO Mini Launcher. The PASCO launcher provided a direct and controlled means of
launching the projectile, with the initial velocity calculated based on the preset launch
parameters, including the spring compression and the angle of launch. By measuring the
projectile's horizontal displacement and using the equations of projectile motion, the initial
velocity was calculated. This method allowed for a straightforward determination of the velocity,
relying on mechanical settings rather than electronic timing systems. The results were compared
with theoretical predictions, and the accuracy of the PASCO Mini Launcher was evaluated. The
experiment

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demonstrated the practicality of using mechanical launchers in studying projectile motion while
discussing the potential sources of error in the setup.

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 launching the ball horizontally off the table 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, vo, the horizontal
distance travelled by the ball is given by x = v o t, where t is the time, the ball is in the air. Air
friction is assumed to be negligible.
The vertical the ball drops in time t is given by

1 2
y= yo+ visinθt− g t
2

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:

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t=
√ 2y
g
And then the initial velocity can be found by using the equation

x
v o=
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:

1 2
y= yo+ visinθt− g t
2

Where yo is the initial height of the ball and y is the position of the ball when it hits the floor.
Then use the following equation to find the range. If the ball is shot at an angle below the
horizontal, then θ is negative.

x=v 0 cosθ t

Apparatus:
 Mini Launcher and Steel Ball
 Plumb Bob
 Meter Stick
 Carbon Paper
 White Paper

Theoretical Values of x:
At θ = 0o and t = 0.16s and vo = 5.18m/s
x1 = 0.828m

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At θ =15o and t = 0.35s and vo = 3.16m/s

x2 = 1.0683m
At θ = 30o and t = 0.58s and vo = 2.54m/s
x3 = 1.02758m
At θ = 45o and t = 0.78s and vo = 2.56m/s
x4 = 1.4119m
At θ = 60o and t = 0.945s and vo = 2.4m/s
x5 = 1.1342m

Experimental Values of x:
The experimental values of x at different angles are as follows:
x1= 0.8316 m
x2 = 1.0783 m
x3 = 1.2833 m
x4 = 1.3217 m
x5 = 1.1466 m

Comparison Between Theoretical value and the

Experimental values of x.

Theoretical Experimental Difference

Values values
x1 = 0.828m x1= 0.8316 m 0.0036m

x2 = 1.0683m x2 = 1.0783 m 0.01m

x3 = 1.2758m x3 = 1.2833 m 0.0075m

x4 = 1.4119m x4 = 1.3217 m 0.0902m

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x5 = 1.1342m x5 = 1.1466 m 0.0124

Conclusion:
The experiment aimed to determine the range xxx of a projectile launched by the Mini Launcher
and compare the calculated theoretical range with the experimentally observed range. Using the
initial velocity and the angle of launch, we calculated the theoretical range via the equation.
x=v 0 cosθ t The experimental and theoretical values showed only a minor difference, indicating a high
degree of accuracy in our measurements and calculations. This slight discrepancy could be attributed to
minor experimental factors, such as air resistance or slight inaccuracies in time measurement. Overall,
the close alignment between theoretical and experimental values confirms the reliability of our setup
and supports the validity of the theoretical model for predicting projectile motion in controlled
conditions. This experiment reinforces foundational concepts in projectile motion and highlights the
practical application of physics equations in real-world measurements.

EXPERIMENT 2: Predicting the Range of

the ball shot at an angle.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this experiment is calculating the range of the ball when launched horizontally at
an angel from a mini launcher. That is determined by measuring the range and the height of the
Launcher.

EQUIPMENT
1. Mini Launcher and steel ball
2. Plumb bob
3. Meter stick
4. Carbon paper
5. White paper
6. Stand

THEORY

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To predict the range, x, of a ball launched with an initial velocity at an angle,

ɵ, above or below the horizontal,
first predict the time of flight using the equation for the vertical motion:

1 2
y= y o+( v ¿¿ o sinθ)t− g t ¿
2

where yo is the initial height of the ball and y is the position of the ball when
it hits the floor. Then use

x=v o cosθt

to find the range. If the ball is shot at an angle below or above the horizontal
axis, then ɵ is negative.

Time: time is calculated by the following formula:

1 2
y= y o+( v ¿¿ o sinθ)t− g t ¿
2

The range can be calculated using the equation:

2
v i sin 2 θ
R=
g

PROCEDURE
1. First ensure mini launcher is secured firmly to the stand and is at an angel of let’s
suppose 300.
2. Measure the distance between the table surface and the launcher.
3. Now with initial velocity and vertical distance, calculate time and theoretical range of the
ball at this angel with the help of the formula given.
4. Now fire a rough shot and note where the ball strikes, then place white paper in that area
and tape a carbon paper above the white paper. Tape the papers.
5. Shoot the ball five and ensure the stand or the launcher are not moved.
6. Lift the carbon paper and, using a meter ruler, measure the horizontal distance from end
of launcher to the marks.
7. This is your calculated range. Now repeat by changing the angel till let's say -30*.
8. Now compare the theoretical and experimental range and state the difference. Time and
initial velocity were calculated using the mean distance value, vertical distance value and
g.

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DATA ANALYSIS
The objective of this experiment is to analyze how the launch angle affects the range of a ball
shot at an angle, using both theoretical calculations and calculated measurements. These were
done with the help of a carbon paper attached to a white paper. Every time the ball strikes the
carbon paper, a mark is left which is used to measure the range.
 Initial velocity= 5.18 ms-1
 Vertical Length = 39 cm

OBSERVATIONS:

Ange Y0 t Range Range (calculated) Error Error

l (cm) (s) (theoretical) (cm) difference Percentage
(cm) (cm) (%)
0o 39 0.28 89.39 90.4 90.0 89.8 90.1 89.9 0.71 0.8
2 90.1
10o 39 0.34 107.1 107. 108. 107. 107. 108. 0.8 0.7
3 8 1 9 7 0
107.9
20o 39 0.41 123 123. 123. 124. 123. 123. 0.6 0.5
3 1 7 1 6 5
123.6
30o 39 0.48 133.4 133. 133. 133. 133. 133. 0.3 0.2
6 6 9 8 7 5
133.7

RESULTS

The Both experimental and theoretical ranges are closely graphed and shows a consistent
trajectory.

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CONCLUSION

The experiment successfully demonstrated the principles of projectile motion, particularly the
effect of launch angle on the range of a projectile. Our data showed that the range of the ball was
maximized at launch angles of approximately 30 degrees and -30 degrees, which aligns closely
with theoretical predictions. The consistency between the experimental and theoretical values of
the range validates the calculations and confirms that the model accurately describes the
projectile's motion. Minor discrepancies were observed but likely stem from minimal external
factors, such as air resistance or slight timing inaccuracies. Overall, the experiment effectively
reinforced the theoretical understanding of projectile range dependence on launch angle,
showcasing the practical accuracy of physics equations in controlled experimental conditions .

EXPERIMENT 3: Relation between the

value of x and y, and x2 and y.

ABSTRACT

This experiment explores the relationship between launch angle and the resulting range of a
projectile, specifically focusing on a ball launched at various angles. Utilizing the principles of
projectile motion, we aimed to determine how changes in launch angle affect the distance
traveled by the projectile. The experiment involved launching the ball from a fixed height at
angles ranging from 0° to 80°, with range measurements taken for each angle. Data analysis
revealed a parabolic trajectory,

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EQUIPMENT
1. Mini Launcher and steel ball
2. Plumb bob
3. Meter stick
4. Carbon paper
5. White paper
6. Stand

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 = (v0 cos ɵ) 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.
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

vy = 0 = v0 sin ɵ - g t peak

Therefore, solving for the time gives the total time of flight as t = 2t peak = 2 (vo sin ɵ)/g

The time of flight is found using the equation for the vertical motion:

1 2
y= y o+( v ¿¿ o sinθ)t− g t ¿
2

PROCEDURE

1. Fire one shot at initial angel say 0o, 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 mark on
the white paper.
2. Fire about five shots
3. Measure the horizontal distance from the launch position of the ball to the leading edge
of the paper.
4. Now change the angel and again repeat the process from step 2.

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DATA ANALYSIS

The objective of this experiment was to find out the path of the projectile. By compiling the distance
measurements for each angle. Plot the average range against the launch angles on a graph to visualize
the relationship.

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

Value of x Value of y
0.7m 0.215m
0.6m 0.425m
0.5m 0.483m
0.4m 0.527m
0.3m 0.563m
0.2m 0.249m

Relation between x and y

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Y-values
0.6

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

0
0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8

Relation between x2 and y

Y-values
0.6

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

0
0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35 0.4 0.45 0.5 0.55

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EXPERIMENT 4: Conversation of
Momentum in Two Dimensions

Abstract:
In this experiment, we used a mini launcher to observe the conservation of momentum in two
dimensions. We used a mini launcher to shoot one ball towards another ball that was at rest.
After they collided, we observed their motion in two cases: elastic and inelastic collisions. In the
elastic collision, the balls bounced off each other at different angles, and their horizontal
momentum was conserved, as no vertical force acted on them. In the inelastic collision, we
applied tape so the balls stuck together on impact, and we checked if their combined momentum
was still conserved.

Apparatus:
 Mini Launcher
 Steel balls
 Collision Attachment
 Meter stick
 Protractor
 Butcher paper
 Tape to make collision inelastic
 Stand to hold ball
 Carbon paper

Theory:
Mini Launcher is a device which is used to study projectile motion. To study the conservation of
momentum in two dimensions by observing the collision between two steel balls. The mini
launcher shot one ball horizontally toward another stationary ball positioned on a small stand in
front of it. Since gravity only affected the vertical motion of the balls, momentum was conserved
in the horizontal direction.

Momentum Conservation in the x and y Directions:

Before the collision, the total momentum was only in the x-direction (horizontal) since the
second ball was stationary. After the collision, both balls moved in different directions, and we
measured their final velocities to calculate momentum in both the x and y directions. Assuming
an elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy were conserved, allowing us to verify

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that the combined momentum after the collision was equal to the initial momentum of the
launched ball.

Momentum in the x-direction:

In the x-direction, the initial momentum was calculated as
Pbefore =m v 0

where m1 is the mass of the launched ball, and v 0 is its initial velocity. After the ball is launch the
first ball transfer its momentum to the other ball
^
Pafter = (m ¿ ¿ 1 v 1 x +m2 v 2 x ) i+(m ¿ ¿ 1 v 1 y +m2 v 2 y ) ^j ¿ ¿
For conservation of momentum in the x-direction, we must have:
m1 v 0 = m1 v 1 x +m2 v 2 x

where v 1 x and v 2 x are the horizontal components of the velocities of both balls after the collision.

Momentum in the y-direction:

Since the second ball was initially stationary, there was no initial momentum in the y-direction.
After the collision, the y-momenta of the two balls should be equal and opposite, ensuring the
total y-momentum remains zero:
m1 v 1 y =−m2 v 2 y

Momentum conservation:
As
m=m1=m2

For conservation of momentum:

v 0=v 1 + v 2

As time t is also same

x 0 x1 x 2
¿ +
t t t
So,
x 0=x 1 + x 2

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Elastic collision:
Since energy is conserved in an elastic collision, the total kinetic energy before and after the
collision remains the same.
The initial kinetic energy of the launched ball is:
1 2
KE initial= mv 0
2
The kinetic energy after the collision is the sum of the kinetic energies of both balls:
1 2 1 2
KE final= m1 v 1 + m1 v 2
2 2
For conservation of kinetic energy
1 2 1 2 1 2
m v 0 ¿ m 1 v 1+ m1 v 2
2 2 2
As
m=m1=m2

So, for conservation of kinetic energy

2 2 2
v 0 ¿ v1 + v 2

As time t is also same

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2 2 2
x 0 x1 x 2
¿ +
t t t
So,
2 2 2
x 0 ¿ x 1+ x2

Inelastic collision:
For inelastic collisions, the balls stuck together after the collision. Only momentum was
conserved, as some kinetic energy was lost in deformation or sound during the impact. The
combined mass and velocity of the balls were used to calculate their momentum after the
collision.

Procedure:
1. Setup the Mini Launcher:
o Secure the mini launcher on a sturdy table with the muzzle pointing horizontally
across the table.

o Place a large piece of butcher paper on the table under the expected landing points
of the balls. Place carbon paper over this butcher paper at each expected landing
point to mark where the balls hit.

2. Position the Collision Stand:

o Attach the collision attachment (a small stand) to the launcher. Adjust its height
so that the second ball, which is stationary on the stand, is at the same level as the
muzzle of the launcher. This alignment ensures both balls fall with the same time
of flight after collision.

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3. Initial Test Shots:

o Load one steel ball into the mini launcher and perform a few test shots with only
one ball to observe the range and ensure it lands on the butcher paper.

4. Record Single Ball Data:

o Shoot the ball five times from the launcher with only one ball involved (without
the second ball on the stand) to establish a reference pattern for the range. Each
impact should be marked on the butcher paper to confirm the consistency of the
ball's landing points.

5. Elastic Collision Test:

o Place the second ball on the stand in front of the launcher. Load the first ball into
the mini launcher and fire it toward the second ball to create an elastic collision.
Repeat this five times, and mark the landing points of both balls each time on the
paper.

o After each shot, draw lines from the initial collision point to the impact points of
both balls on the paper.

6. Measure and Record:

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o Measure and record the distances from this point to each impact point for all
trials. Use these measurements to calculate momentum components along the x
and y axes.

Data Analysis:
we measured the horizontal distances from the collision point to each landing spot of the balls
using a meter rule. We used the distances recorded on the butcher paper to measure the distances
x 1, x 2 Then we put the following values to prove conservation of momentum and conservation of
energy.

Calculations:
Using this equation
1 2
y− y ’=( v ’ sinϴ ) t− g t —-----(a)
2

When 𝚹 = 0 degree.
As y = 0
y’ = 22 cm (using meter ruler)
1 2
y’ = 2 g t (using eq a)

2y’
t=√( g ¿

0.22
t = √ 2( 9.8 )

t = 0.21s

For conservation of momentum:

x 0=x 1 + x 2

By putting values x 0=66.5 cm, x 1=41.5 cm, x 2 = 34.7 cm (By table 1.1 ,1.2,1.3)
66.5 = 41.5+ 34.7
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66.5 cm ≈ 76.2 cm
Percentage error:
76.2−66.5
≈12 %
76.2

For conservation of energy:

2 2 2
x 0 ¿ x 1+ x2

By putting values x 0=66.5 cm, x 1=41.5 cm, x 2 = 34.7 cm (By table 1.1 ,1.2,1.3)
2 2 2
66.5 =41.5 +34.7

4422.25 = 1722.25 +1204.09

4422.25 c m2 ≈ 2926.34 c m2
Percentage error:
4422.25−2926.34
≈34 %
4422.25

Tables and Graphs:

y’ = 22 cm (using meter ruler)

For x

Range x (cm) Range (x) average (cm)

66.6

66.6

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67
66.5
Table 1.1

For x 1

Range x (cm) Range (x) average (cm)

41.7

41.4 41.5

41.4

Table 1.2

For x 2

Range x (cm) Range (x) average (cm)

34.8

34.8 34.7

34.5

Table 1.3

Results and Conclusions:

In this experiment, we found that:

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Momentum is conserved as x 0=x 1 + x 2 has only 12% error and errors can be because of human
error and resistance.

Energy is not conserved as x 20 ¿ x 21+ x22 has 34% error and this can be because of human error,
resistance and small change in centre of gravity.
Thus, this is an inelastic collision as momentum is conserved and energy is not conserved.

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