Force & Motion: Projectile Motion
Determine how launching a projectile horizontally at varying initial velocities affects its time-of-flight. And determine if and how the horizontal and vertical components of motion are related.
Students use the projectile launcher (above) to launch a ball horizontally three times, increasing initial velocity on each launch. They will clearly discover that time-of-flight does not vary.
To provide students with unambiguous data that clearly illustrates independence of x and y motion, a high quality launcher is essential. The PASCO Projectile Launcher is precision-engineered and tested to provide reliable and repeatable results (and lasts for years).
Lab Summary
Students will use Photogates and a Time-of-Flight pad to measure the initial speed and the flight time of a projectile that is launched horizontally. Students will determine whether the time of flight is the same for different initial speeds.
Theory
Horizontal and vertical motion are independent of one another. The acceleration due to gravity is a constant regardless of what horizontal velocity an object has. Thus, the time for an object to freefall from a given height is the same no matter what speed it is moving at in the horizontal direction.
Downloads
- Computer-based lab (PDF, 508 KB) (508 KB, .pdf)
(student versions)
- Xplorer GLX-based lab (PDF, 220 KB) (219 KB, .pdf)
(student versions)
Method
Use Photogates and a Time-of-Flight pad to measure the initial speed and time-of-flight of a projectile. Determine the relationship between the initial speed of the projectile and the overall time of flight.
Here's What You Need
U.S. Educator prices shown.
Required for computer-based lab: (See lab download for Xplorer GLX-based lab requirements, which may differ)
Probeware
PASPORT Digital Adapter (PS-2159) - $59
The Digital Adapter allows ScienceWorkshop analog sensors to be connected and used with PASPORT interfaces.
Time-of-Flight Accessory (ME-6810) - $79
Use with a Photogate to capture time of flght data. Timing starts when object passes through photogate and stops when object impacts this landing pad. For use with PASPORT and ScienceWorkshop Interfaces.
Xplorer GLX (PS-2002) - $349
The Xplorer GLX is a data collection, graphing, and analysis tool designed for science students and educators.
Probeware- Requires 2
Photogate Head (ME-9498A) - $45
Monitors the motion of objects passing through its gate, counting events as the object breaks the infrared beam. For use with PASPORT and ScienceWorkshop Interfaces.
Other Products
Phone Jack Extender Cable (PI-8117) - $20
Extension cable can be used with any digital sensor.
Photogate Mounting Bracket (ME-6821A) - $25
This bracket mounts one or two Photogate Heads on any Projectile Launcher.
Projectile Launcher (Short Range) (ME-6800) - $349
Launch plastic spheres up to 5 m with highly repeatable results.
30 Meter Measuring Tape (SE-8712A) - $29
This 30 meter measuring tape reads metric on one side and English on the other.
Large C Clamp (6 Pack) (SE-7285) - $65
This rugged 10 cm clamp is perfect for attaching a variety of objects to a table. Package of 6.
Lab Manual
The computer-based activity is included in Explorations in Physics (PS-2810). The Xplorer GLX-based lab is included in Physics with the Xplorer GLX (PS-2826). Both manuals are complete with Teacher Information pages, student instructions and handouts, and sample data.
For your convenience, we offer bundles which provide the probeware for the
activities in the manual. For more, please see:
Computer-based
Physics Lab Manual and Bundles
Xplorer
GLX-based Physics Lab Manual and Bundles
