LABORATORY 3: Projectile Motion and Energy Conservation
By
Group 2
Nathaniel House
Bennystone Zannou
Mason Wallace
Niles Tunstall
For
PHY 154 L-03/04 Mechanics Laboratory
To
Dr. Jeffrey L. Streator, Instructor
Date
October 1, 2025
Abstract
This experiment examined the motion of a projectile launched at an angle and analyzed the
trajectory using both kinematic equations and energy conservation principles. The objective
was to calculate the launch velocity, impact velocity, and confirm the parabolic motion
predicted by theory. We derived the general trajectory equation and applied it to an
experimental case where a projectile was launched from an initial height of 1.5 m and
traveled a horizontal distance of 87 m before hitting the ground. Using the trajectory
equation, we determined an initial velocity of approximately 11.4 m/s, and through energy
conservation, we calculated the final impact velocity to be about 17.2 m/s. These results
demonstrated consistency between kinematics and energy analysis, reinforcing the
fundamental principles of projectile motion.
I. Introduction
The purpose of this laboratory was to study projectile motion and verify the relationship
between launch parameters, trajectory, and energy conservation. Projectile motion is
governed by uniform acceleration in the vertical direction due to gravity, while the
horizontal component of velocity remains constant. The experiment involved deriving the
mathematical form of the trajectory and applying it to determine the launch velocity and
final velocity of a projectile fired from a known height. By comparing kinematic results with
those obtained from conservation of mechanical energy, we validated the consistency of the
two approaches.
II. Methods
1. Kinematic Derivation:
- We expressed the horizontal and vertical velocities as:
v0x = v0 cos(θ), v0y = v0 sin(θ)
- Substituting t = x / v0x into the vertical motion equation, we derived the trajectory
function:
y = y0 + x tan(θ) - (g / (2(v0 cos(θ))^2)) x^2
- Rearranging gave an expression for the initial velocity in terms of measured distances:
v0^2 = (g x^2) / (2 cos^2(θ) (y0 + x tan(θ) - y))
2. Energy Conservation:
- The conservation of energy was applied to verify impact velocity:
(1/2) m v0^2 + m g y0 = (1/2) m v^2 + m g y
- This equation allowed solving for the velocity of the projectile just before impact.
Measurements used for calculations:
- Initial height: y0 = 1.5 m
- Final height: y = 0 m
- Horizontal range: x = 87 m
- Acceleration due to gravity: g = 9.81 m/s^2
III. Results & Discussion
Calculated Values:
- Launch velocity: v0 ≈ 11.39 m/s
- Final impact velocity: v ≈ 17.21 m/s
The parabolic trajectory equation correctly predicted the motion, and the computed values
matched expectations based on projectile motion theory. The energy conservation method
produced consistent results with kinematics, confirming that potential energy lost from
height converted into additional kinetic energy at impact.
Observations:
- The trajectory equation demonstrated that the projectile follows a predictable parabolic
path.
- Energy analysis confirmed that no energy was lost in the theoretical model, but real-world
trials would include resistance effects.
Difficulties Encountered:
- Rearranging trajectory equations was algebraically intensive.
- Keeping consistent units during calculation required careful checking.
Sources of Error:
- Rounding approximations in trigonometric and square root calculations.
- Possible misinterpretation of the launch angle in theoretical setup.
- Neglecting air resistance, which would slightly reduce the range in practice.
IV. Conclusion
This lab demonstrated the derivation and application of the projectile motion equation. By
analyzing both kinematics and conservation of energy, we confirmed that the predicted
trajectory and velocity values were consistent. The experiment reinforced the principle that
projectile motion follows a parabolic path and that energy methods provide a reliable cross-
check for velocity calculations. We gained an appreciation for how multiple physics
approaches can verify one another, strengthening the validity of experimental analysis.