Name _______________________________ Lab: Horizontally Launched Projectile

Physics Honors

Purpose: To predict the distance a horizontally launched projectile will travel before hitting the ground. Introduction: The objective of this lab is to use the Physics of projectile motion to predict the distance a horizontally launched projectile will travel before hitting the ground. A ramp set up will be used to establish a horizontal launch point. Each group will determine the launch velocity of the ball based on experimental data. Using the launch velocity and other measurable quantities to describe the launch, students will use the Physics of projectile motion to predict how far away from the table edge the ball will hit the ground. Materials: Steel Ramp, Launch Track, Steel Ball, Timer, Meter Sticks, Target Sheet Procedure Part 1: Finding Launch Velocity Develop and execute a procedure to determine the launch velocity of the steel ball. Record data collected through experimentation and show all work, including variables, eqution(s), and substitution with units. During experimentation to determine the launch velocity, the ball must NOT hit the ground.

Procedure Part 2: Predicting Landing Spot Use your understanding of projectile motion to predict the landing spot for the steel ball. Show all data and calculations, including equations and substitution with units. During experimentation to predict the landing spot for the steel ball, the ball must NOT hit the ground. All predictions must be accompanied by mathematical rationale.

Procedure Part 3: Testing Prediction 1. Using your results from Part 2 of the lab, locate your landing spot on the floor in front of the launch ramp. 2. Tape the target sheet on the ground at this location. 3. Place the carbon paper on top of the target sheet. 4. Launch the steel ball and remove the carbon paper to get your score. 5. Record your score: Students can try again, but the launch ramp angle must be changed and all parts of the procedure must be repeated. Post-Lab Questions: 1. Imagine that the height of the table from the floor was increased: a. How would this affect the horizontal velocity of the ball off the end of the table? b. How would it affect the drop time of the ball? c. How would it affect the distance the ball flies? 2. Imagine that the steepness of the launch ramp was increased, but the ball still left from the same height: a. How would this affect the horizontal velocity of the ball off the end of the table? b. How would it affect the drop time of the ball? c. How would it affect the distance the ball flies? 3. If your launch landed at the center of the target for a score of 10, omit this question. Describe one way you might modify the experiment to reduce sources of error.