Lab partners: Charles, Anthony
Date performed: 09/19/16
In this lab, we created a set up to experiment with an object in projectile motion. Using our knowledge of projectile motion and our experimental results, we were able to predict the position of the object when it hit an inclined board.
To obtain experimental data, we launched a steel ball from an inclined ramp that we created with an aluminum "v-channel" and ring stand. After trying that a couple times and examining the approximate location where it landed, we taped a piece of carbon paper onto the floor at that spot. Then, we launched the ball five times to verify that it landed at about the same spot every time. At the end of the table, we hung a plumb bob to mark the "initial position" to help us determine the distance from the table's edge at which the ball landed.
On the left: Five impact points marked by carbon paper
In the center: Inclined ramp setup
On the right: Plumb bob
Experimentally, we measured a horizontal distance of 48.7cm +/- 0.1cm. With the help of the plumb bob, we measured a vertical distance of 95.5cm +/- 0.1cm. Using this information, we found the time it took for the ball to hit the ground and the launch speed.
Calculations to find time and launch speed
Now that we had the launch speed, we were able to repeat the experiment, this time with an inclined board at the edge of the table. We measured the angle at which the board was inclined, and once again, taped a piece of carbon paper to the appropriate position at which we thought the ball would hit the board. We did this 5 times, and measured our experimental distance d along with the uncertainty at which the ball landed.
On the left: Setup with inclined board placed at edge of table
In the center: Five impact points marked by carbon paper
On the right: Angle of inclined board measured with iPhone
Our measured value of d came out to be 0.44m +/- 0.05m. We then did the calculations to see how our theoretical values compared to our measured value.
Calculations to find theoretical value of d
Our values turned out to be accurate, and in comparison with our measured value, our theoretical value was identical. By repeating the experiment several times, we were able to decrease our chance of error and thus got this result.
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