A Physics Lab Report For Grade 11 Class - Physics - Report

Projectile Motion Lab
By
Ellie Greve
Physics
Mr. Jacobson
SPH3U1-01
06/12/17
Table of Contents
Projectile Motion
LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES…………………………………..……………….… ii
Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………. 1
Materials ……………………………………………………………………………….. 2
Procedure ………………………………………………………………………………. 2
Results ……………………………………………………………………………………3
Analysis …………………………………………………………………………………..4
Discussion ………………………………………………………………………………. 7
Conclusions …………………………………………………………………………….. 9
APENDICES……………………………………………………………………..…..… 10
i
List of Figures and Tables
Figure 1 Diagram of the Angle 0 ….……………………………………………………4
Figure 2 Diagram of the Angle 10 …………………………………………………….. 5
Figure 3 Diagram of the Angle 20 ………………………………………………………6
Figure 4 Diagram of the Angle 30 .…………………………………………………….. 6
Table 1 Testing Results………………………………………………………………..…3
ii
Introduction
The purpose of this lab was to study the properties of projectile motion, specifically by
finding the initial speed of a projectile launcher. From the motion of a plastic bullet projected
horizontally, the initial velocity of the bullet can be determined from the measured range. For a
given initial velocity, the projectile range will be measured for various initial angles, and also
calculated by applying the theory for motion with constant acceleration. The end goal of this
lab was to be able to calculate the required launch height and angle to hit a target.
[≥÷…
There are many necessary principles that were needed to successfully complete this
projectile motion lab. The initial velocity is found by dividing distance by time. This is derived
from the horizontal projectile motion equation of Δdx=VxΔt.
(more of the projectile motion equations can be found in Appendix A, page 10)
Velocity is a vector quantity and therefore can be broken up into its x and y
components. To find the initial horizontal velocity, we simply use cosine to solve for the value
using Vix=Vicosθ. Finding the initial vertical velocity is similar to Vix, however instead we use
sine. The way to solve for this is by using Viy=Visinθ. The launch angle is represented by θ.
Materials
The materials used in this lab were vital in the overall success of the assignment. To
attain the necessary data on projectile motion, the class used toy pistols, meter sticks, a
protractor app, and the target.
Procedure
In order to determine the results there was a deliberate procedure that was used. This
lab spanned over several classes and was overall a thorough and detailed lab. All the steps are
listed in order in the following section.
Before Launch Day
1. The class prepared the materials
2. Small groups of two or three people who would share the toy pistol were organized
3. The toy pistol was loaded with ammunition
4. Measure the height that the toy gun is being fired at
5. The toy pistol was shot at no angle to determine the distance it travels
6. All shots from the toy pistol were timed and measured
7. Various shots were made, each testing out a new angle...