National University of Science & Technology (NUST)

School of Mechanical and Material Engineering (SMME)

Lab Demonstrator(s): Dr. Imran Haider Sajid

School: SMME Date: 20/10/2023

Semester: 1st Section: ME-15 (A)

Group: 9
Lab 04: Projectile Motion

S.no Name Reg. no.

1 ARBAB SAGHIR 470382

2 Touseef Akhtar

3 Nafeel javaid 465554

4 Omar mudassir

5 Affan ahmad

Projectile Motion
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Abstract:
For our lab, we experimented with projectiles at different angles and looked at how
the range of a projectile varies depending on its launch angle. We also examined how
the range changes when a mini launcher is kept at various heights from the table and
when it’s placed directly on top of that same surface. For performing the experiments
of projectile motion, we used a mini launcher.

Equipment Required:

 Mini Launcher
 Steel ball
 Plumb bob
 Meter stick
 Carbon paper
 White paper
 Wooden board

Formula Used:
1. t=
x
√
2 yo
g

2. v=
t

3. x = v
tℎ o cosθt

1 2
4. y= y o+ v o sinθt − g t
2
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Error Types:
There are three types of error Systematic Error, Random Error, and Personal
Error.
 Systematic Error appears due to measuring Instrument Inaccuracy.
 Random Error arises due to some unknown reasons, and they can be
resolved by performing experiments analysis again and again.
 Personal Error occurs due to inexperienced Workers, and
irresponsibility.
Experiment 1: Projectile Motion

Theory

To predict where a ball will land on the floor when it is shot off a table at an angle, it is
necessary to first determine the initial speed (muzzle velocity) of the ball. This can be
determined by launching the ball horizontally off the table and measuring the vertical
and horizontal distances through which the ball travels. Then the initial velocity can be
used to calculate where the ball will land when the ball is shot at an angle.

Part A: Determining the Initial Velocity of the Ball

(θ=0)
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Procedure:

 Put the ball into the Mini Launcher and cock it to the short-range position at 0
degrees. Fire one shot to locate where the ball hits the floor.
 At this position, tape a piece of white paper to the floor. Place a piece of carbon
paper (carbon-side down) on top of this paper and tape it down. When the ball hits
the floor, it will leave a mark on the white paper.
 Fire about five shots.
 Measure the vertical distance from the bottom of the ball as it leaves the barrel
(this position is marked on the side of the barrel) to the floor.
 Record this distance in Table 1.1.
 Use a plumb bob to find the point on the floor that is directly beneath the release
point on the barrel. Measure the horizontal distance along the floor from the
release point to the leading edge of the paper. Record in Table 1.1.

Data Analysis:

 Measure from the leading edge of the paper to each of the ten dots and record these
distances in Table 1.1.
 Find the average of the ten distances and record the value in Table 1.1.
 Using the vertical distance and the average horizontal distance, calculate the time of
flight and the initial velocity of the ball. Record in Table 1.1.
 Calculate the Total Average Distance. Record in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1
NUMBER OF RANGE OF PROJECTILE(X)
OBSERVATIONS (cm)
1 89.5 cm
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2 89.7 cm
3 89.8 cm

4 90 cm

5 89.8 cm

Average 89.75 cm

x avg
Initial velocity is given by v o=
t

For determining initial velocity, we also need to calculate time.

t=
√ 2 yo
g
∴ y o is tℎe ℎeigℎt of tℎe launcℎer

t=
√
2 ( 38 cm )
980 cm s− 1
t=0.278 s
∴ y o=38 cm

Now initial velocity can be determined

x avg
v o=
t
8 9.75 cm
v o=
0.289 s

v o=¿323.02cm s −1=3.23ms^-1

Part B: Predicting the Range of the Ball (θ=30)

Procedure:
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1. Keep the angle of the Mini Launcher at the selected angle.

2. Measure the vertical distance from the bottom of the ball as it leaves the barrel (this
position is marked on the side of the barrel) to the floor. Record this distance in
Table 1.2.
3. Using the initial velocity and vertical distance found in Part A, calculate the time of
flight and the horizontal range for a projectile launched at the selected angle.
Record in Table 1.2.
4. Draw a line across the middle of a white piece of paper and tape the paper on the
floor so the line is at the predicted horizontal distance from the Mini Launcher.
Cover the paper with carbon paper. Shoot the ball five times.
5. Measure the five distances and take the average. Record in Table 1.2

Data Analysis:

1. Calculate the Total Average Distance. Record in Table 1.2. (Total Average Distance =
Distance from Edge of Paper + Horizontal Distance to paper edge)
2. Calculate the percent difference between the predicted value and the resulting average
distance when shot at an angle.

Table 1.2
NUMBER OF RANGE OF PROJECTILE(X)
OBSERVATIONS
1 134.8cm

2 135cm
3 135.1cm
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4 134.9cm

5 135.2cm

AVERAGE 135cm

The average measured range is x avg=¿ 135cm

In order to calculate the theoretical Range, we must find out the time period of our
motion when angle is set at 30 degrees.
Time can be calculated using equation
1 2
− g t + v o sinθt + y o=0
2
As this a quadratic equation we apply the quadratic formula with respect to t

−b ± √ b2 − 4 ac y o =43cm
Quadratic Formula =
2a
1 2
Here a=− g t , b=v o sinθ, c= y o
2

t=
√ 1
( )
− v o sinθ± ( v o sinθ)2 − 4 − g ( y o )
2

( )
1
2 − g
2

t=
√ 2
− ( 3.2 ) sin ( 30 ) ± ( ( 3.2 ) sin ( 30 ) ) +2 ( 9 .8 ) ( 0.43 )
− 9.8
As this is a quadratic equation, we will get 2 values of t. We consider the positive
one as time can never be negative.
By solving the equation, we see that
t=0. 5 s
Now theoretical Range can be determined from the following formula
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x tℎ=v o cosθt ∴ v o is tℎe intial velocity

x tℎ=( 3.2 ) cos ( 30 ) ( 0. 5 )
x th =1.39 m=139 cm

Calculating Percentage Error:

Having determined the theoretical and measured values of range we can find the
percentage error by
measured value− tℎeoretical value
Percentage Error= ∗100 %
measured value

139 cm−1 35 cm
Percentage Error= ∗ 100 %
1 39 cm

Percentage Error=2.9 %

Experiment 2: Projectile Angle VS Range

PROCEDURE:
 Put the ball into the Mini Launcher and cock it to the short-range position at 0
degrees by using two gates. Fire one shot to locate where the ball hits the floor.
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 In Mini Lancher we use a two gate system.With the apparatus we note time upto 3
time snd then by taking their average ve calculate the velocity of ball.
 Fire about three shots.
 The range x is fixed which is the distance between two gates
 Record this this in Table 1.2.

Data Analysis:

 Calculate time by placing Mini Lancher at 0 degree.Then at 30 degree.

 Now make a table of values and then calculate the error in velocity by taking
initial values of velocity without replacing gates and with gates.
TABLE 1.2
OBSERVATIONS RANGE(m) TIME(sec)

1 0.1 At 0=0.0306
At 30=0.0328
2 0.1 At 0=0.0308
At 30=0.0329
3 0.1 At 0=0.0309
At 30=0.0327

CALCULATIONS:
Average time = 0.0307(At 0 degree)

Velocity = x/t

V = 3.25 m s− 1
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Percentage error =(3.25-3.2)/3.2 x 100

Error = 1.5％

Average time = 0.0328(At 30 degree)

Velocity = x/t
V = 3.05 m s− 1

CONCLUSION:

The both experiment is caarried out perfectly and the results are good.The error
coming out to be 1.5 which is a less and shows that the experiment is carried out
perfectly.From experiment we can easily find the initial velocity of ball.

Discussion:
The experimental data and all calculations were carefully carried out under the observations of
all group members. The Experimental results were analyzed in group meeting. Several
corrections were carried out and results were shown to each member and were approved
jointly in the meeting
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vy
x

v
0
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