NAME: Maria Eduarda Goncalves Guimaraes

DATE: November 9, 2023

PARTNERS: Bomani Burrows, Traves Knowles

TITLE: Projectile Motion

PURPOSE: The purpose of the lab is to measure a ball's velocity by timing two photogates using computer
software. The goal is to anticipate the impact site of a ball in projectile motion by using principles from two-
dimensional kinematics and accounting for trial-to-trial fluctuations in the velocity measurements.

THEORY: When an item moves simultaneously in both the x and y directions while experiencing constant
acceleration, it is said to be in two dimensions. Projectile motion is a significant special instance of this two-
dimensional motion. There is no mutual interaction whatsoever between the vertical and horizontal motions.
The projectile angle, θ0, is the angle the projectile makes with the horizontal axis when it leaves the origin at
t=0, assuming that it has an initial vector velocity of v0. The following equations can be obtained from this:

V0x = v0 cos θ0 V0y = v0 sin θ0

In the x-direction with ax constant, we have:

Vx = v0x + axt
Δx = v0xt + ½ axt2
Vx2 = V0x²+2ax Δx

In the y-direction with ay constant, we have:

Vy = v0y + ayt
Δy = v0yt + ½ ayt2
Vy2 = v0y2 + 2ayΔy

The magnitude of the object’s speed, v, can be determined by the equation:

V = √vx2 + vy2

The direction of the vector, v, can be determined by:

θ = tan-1(vy/vx)

For projectiles close to the earth, the horizontal displacement is:

Δx = v0xt
Δx = (v0 cos θ0) t

In the y direction, we make the substitution ay = -g and v0 y = v0 sin θ0

vy = v0 sin θ0 – gt

Δy = (v0 sin θ0) t - ½ gt2

vy2= (v0 sin θ0)2 - 2g Δy

HYPOTHESIS: The ball will roll off the ramp and land in a cup at the distance determined by the 0.26 m
predicted impact point.

MATERIALS:

Computer Plumb bob

Vernier computer interface Ramp

Logger Pro Two ring stands

Two Vernier Photogates Two right-angle clamps

Ball (1 to 5 cm diameter) Meter stick or metric measuring tape

Masking tape Target

PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS:

1. If you were to drop a ball, releasing it from rest, what information would be needed to
predict how much time it would take for the ball to hit the floor? What assumptions must
you make?
The velocity of the ball and the height the ball drops form would need to be known assuming
there is no air resistance and that:

Pe = mgh

Ke = ½mv2

2. If the ball in Question 1 is traveling at a known horizontal velocity when it starts to fall,
explain how you would calculate how far it will travel before it hits the ground.
To find the horizontal distance, multiply the horizontal velocity by the time it takes to contact
the ground.

3. A pair of computer-interfaced Photogates can be used to accurately measure the time

interval for an object to break the beam of one Photogate and then another. If you wanted to
know the velocity of the object, what additional information would you need?
The object's direction and the separation between the photogates would be necessary to know.

METHODS AND PROCEDURE:

The experiment included arranging a short ramp on a table to facilitate the controlled rolling of a
ball through photogates. These photogates, linked to an interface, were stabilized using tape. A designated
starting point on the ramp ensured consistency in trials. Data on time and velocity were gathered using
Logger Pro, with precise measurements of the distance between photogates. The experiment involved
multiple trials to prevent the ball from hitting the floor or photogate sides, aiming to anticipate the ball's
impact point.
 The collection of data was concluded after a two-minute interval, and if additional time was needed,
the "collect" function was used with the "Append" option. After the last trial, data collection was formally
stopped. Velocity values for each trial were carefully recorded and examined to ensure diversity. Statistical
analysis on the velocity vs. time graph determined average, maximum, and minimum values. The height of
the table was accurately measured, and a plumb bob was employed to identify the floor origin directly
beneath where the ball left the table. This marked point, indicated by tape, served as a reference for
calculating the distance from the floor origin to the impact point on the floor using the velocity value.

Relationships for motion with constant acceleration was algebraically combined giving:

Δx = v0xt + ½ axt2

Δy = v0yt + ½ ayt2

The experiment began with simplifying the given equations, focusing on the initial vertical velocity (voy),
horizontal acceleration (ax), and vertical acceleration (ay). The simplified equations were then used to
determine the horizontal distance covered by the falling ball. Anticipated impact points on the floor were
marked, with a target aligned with the track. To address variations in Photogate velocity measurements,
calculations were repeated for minimum and maximum velocity, marking the respective impact range limits.
Following instructor approval, the ball was released from a designated starting point, rolling off the table
onto the floor, and the actual impact point was marked and measured from the floor origin.

CALCULATIONS AND ANALYSIS OF DATA:

TABLE SHOWING 10 VALUES FOR VELOCITY CALCULATED BY THE PHOTOGATES

Trial Velocity(m/s)

1 0.605

2 0.605

3 0.603

4 0.593

5 0.598

6 0.600

7 0.592

8 0.601

9 0.601

10 0.490
TABLE SHOWING CALCULATIONS OBTAINED FROM EXPERIEMENT

Maximum Velocity 0.6054 m/s

Minimum Velocity 0.4896 m/s

Average Velocity 0.5888 m/s

Table Height 0.99 m

Predicted Impact Point Distance 0.26 m

Minimum Impact Point Distance 0.22 m

Maximum Impact Point Distance 0.27 m

Actual Impact Point Distance 0.26 m

H = 0.99m

t = 2 x 0.99 = 0.45s
√ 9.8

Predicted impact point = Vo x t

= 0.5888 x 0.45
= 0.26 m

Minimum impact point = Vmin x t

= 0.4896 x 0.45
= 0.22 m

Maximum impact point = Vmax x t

= 0.6054 x 0.45
= 0.27 m

Percentage Error = | Actual Impact Point Distance - Predicted impact point distance | x 100
Predicted Impact Point Distance

= | 0.26 – 0.26 | x 100

0.26

= 0%
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: In this experiment, achieving an exact numerical prediction was
challenging due to factors such as human reaction time and other uncertainties. Instead, using a range was
deemed more appropriate, providing an interval that accounts for potential variations observed in the
Photogate velocity measurements. The predicted impact point was calculated as 0.26m, falling within the
range of impact prediction, indicating a successful prediction. The obtained percentage error was 0%,
essentially confirming the accuracy of the prediction. The minimum and maximum range (0.22m and 0.27m)
closely aligned with both the predicted and actual impact points, affirming the accuracy of the calculations.
In conclusion, the hypothesis was validated, with the actual impact distance (0.26m) matching the predicted
value