Projectile Motion Lab Report Helper
Projectile Motion Lab Report Helper
Note: The report should not be more than 4 pages long, and the font size should not go below 12.
Name: ………….
Course: Physics 1301W
Instructor: Prof T. Chmiel
TA: ……….
Date: June 18, 2024
Abstract
Introduction
Prediction
• Apply the kinematic equations for projectile motion to predict the expected relationship
between initial velocity, launch angle, and the resulting trajectory.
• Discuss the expected parabolic path of the projectile and how different launch angles
influence the horizontal range and maximum height.
• Explain how the initial velocity can be calculated from the maximum height and how the
horizontal range can be predicted using the launch angle and initial velocity.
• Highlight the expectation that the horizontal component of velocity remains constant
while the vertical component changes due to gravity.
• Instruct on how to import video data into Vernier software and set the origin at the launch
point.
• Guide on plotting the vertical position and velocity in Excel and fitting these plots to
appropriate functions (quadratic for position, linear for velocity).
• Specify how to determine the acceleration due to gravity from the slope of the velocity
plot and compare it with the theoretical value (9.81 m/s²).
• Describe the method to calculate the initial speed from the maximum height and compare
it with the initial speed found from video analysis.
• For angled shots:
o Analyze the vertical and horizontal components of the motion.
o Plot the horizontal position as a function of time to find the horizontal component
of velocity.
o Determine the initial velocity components and compare with trigonometric
relations based on the launch angle.
o Compare the measured and predicted horizontal ranges considering uncertainties.
Conclusion
• Summarize the observed results, emphasizing the consistency or deviation from
theoretical predictions.
• Discuss any trends or patterns identified in the data, such as the relationship between
launch angle and horizontal range.
• Reflect on the accuracy of video analysis in studying projectile motion and the reliability
of the experimental setup.
• Conclude with the broader significance of the experiment’s results in understanding
projectile motion and validating kinematic equations