Physics 11 – Investigation Modelling Projectile Motion Name: ________________
In Section 2.3, you studied projectiles launched in a number of different scenarios. In this experiment you will
launch projectiles at an angle from various heights to see how well projectile motion theory predicts your results.
Testable Question
How does changing the vertical displacement of a projectile affect its range and time of flight?
Hypothesis/Prediction
Aft er reading through the Experimental Design and Procedure, predict an answer to the Testable Question.
Y our hypothesis should include predictions and reasons for your prediction.
Variables
Identify the controlled, manipulated, and responding variables in this experiment.
Experimental Design
In this experiment, you will launch spheres up a ramp in order to launch them at an angle above the horizontal
from various heights (a displacement in the y of zero, and a displacement in the y-other than zero. (Figure 1 ).
Figure 1
By varying the height from which your projectile is launched, you will determine how changing a projectile’s
vertical displacement affects its time of flight and range. As well as strengthen your problem solving skills in order
to solve these quantities.
Materials
-plastic launcher
-orange ball (projectile)
-metre stick
-phone/timer
-protractor
Procedure
1. Create an observation table to record for both part 1 and 2:
-launch angle -time -displacement x -displacement y
2. Create a separate analysis table to record (once calculated)
-initial velocity in the x, -initial velocity in the y -initial velocity
Part I
3. Place the plastic launcher on a lab bench and use a protractor to measure the angle of the launcher above
the horizontal.
4. Place the Launcher far back on the lab bench, place the ball on the launcher and a metre on the lab bench
beginning at the initial position of the ball.
5. Prepare a timer to record the time of flight of the ball.
6. Have a partner prepared to measure where the ball lands along the metre stick (you may use a video to
help)
7. Launch your projectile and record the time of flight and the displacement in the x. (Consider the
displacement in the y- axis is zero for this projectile as it is small and negligible)
Part II
8. Measure the length of the base of the launcher
9. Place the launcher near the edge of the lab bench, and place the metre stick directly infront of the launcher
on the ground.
10. Measure the height of the projectile from the ground
11. 5-7 (Consider the displacement in the y axis is not zero for this projectile)
Analysis and Evaluation
1. Answer the testable question
2. Write a statement that describes the relationship between vertical displacement and theoretical time of
flight
3. Describe any sources of uncertainty that may have affected your experiment.
4. If you were to repeat this experiment, what would you do to reduce the uncertainty?
Part I Calculations
[Link] kinematic equations to solve for v1x,
[Link] kinematic equations to solve for v1y
[Link] Pythagorean theorem and tanѲ to calculate initial velocity.
8. Determine the max height of the launcher (consider vy=0 at max height)
Part II Calculations
[Link] kinematic equations to solve for v1x
[Link] kinematic equations to solve for v1y
[Link] Pythagorean theorem and tanѲ to calculate initial velocity.
11. How do your calculations for initial velocity compare between part I and part II? Should they differ? Why?
12. If the projectile was to be launched and land higher than the initial position, how would that affect your
calculations?