Option A: Principles of Projectile Motion Calculations
Access the Principles of Projectile Motion Calculations and complete the problem set using the printable version. Make sure to completely answer each question and to show all of your work. Once you have completed the Principles of Projectile Motion Calculations, please submit your work to the dropbox.
Option B: Projectile Motion Scientific Investigation
Before you begin the scientific investigation below, make sure to download the Projectile Motion Scientific Investigation Report. As you complete this scientific investigation, fill in any needed information on the report template. If you need more information about each section of the report, please visit the Developmental Module.
This scientific investigation is available below or in a printable version.
Projectile motion involves the moving of an object in both a vertical and horizontal direction. As the object moves, the vertical and horizontal motion are independent of each other. Objects in projectile motion are often thrown, shot, or launched with varying speeds. A number of variables like the angle at which the projectile is thrown, the initial speed of the projectile, the mass of the object being thrown, and the diameter of the object being thrown can have an effect on the distance that the projectile travels.
Objectives
In this scientific investigation, you will:
Hypothesis
Using the Procedure and Data Collection section below, read through the procedural information for this scientific investigation. Based on your understanding of the procedure, develop your own hypotheses which describe your expected results. You should consider the following questions:
Record these hypotheses in the Hypothesis section of your Projectile Motion Scientific Investigation Report.
Required Simulation
Projectile Motion Simulation
(click on image below to run simulation)
Provided by:
PhET Interactive Simulations
University of Colorado
http://phet.colorado.edu
Procedure and Data Collection
Simulation Set-Up
Effect of Initial Speed on Range
Data
Use the data table provided on your Projectile Motion Scientific Investigation Report to record your data from this scientific investigation. The data table is also shown below:
Initial Horizontal Speed (m/s) | Range (m) | Height (m) | Time (s) |
0 | |||
2 | |||
4 | |||
6 | |||
8 | |||
10 | |||
12 | |||
14 | |||
16 | |||
18 | |||
20 |
Data Analysis
In the Data Analysis section of your Projectile Motion Scientific Investigation Report, create two graphs based on the data you collected in your data table. On one graph, plot the time versus initial speed. On the second graph, plot the range versus initial speed. In addition, provide responses to the following questions:
Conclusion
Using the Conclusion section of your Projectile Motion Scientific Investigation Report, compose three to four sentences describing an overall conclusion about the relationship between horizontal and vertical motion, and the effect that the initial speed had on the range of the projectile. Were your hypotheses true or false, and how do you know? Use the data and notes that you collected from your simulation experience to form your conclusion. Make sure that you include information that you gained from data analysis to support your conclusion.
Experimental Sources of Error
On your Projectile Motion Scientific Investigation Report, provide responses to the following questions: Are there any sources of error? If so, what are they, and what could be done to minimize error?
Once you have completed the Projectile Motion Scientific Investigation Report, please submit your work to the dropbox.