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.

Launcher

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.

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.

Download free labs:

(student versions)

Computer-based lab  (PDF, 508 KB)

Xplorer GLX-based lab  (PDF, 220 KB)

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:

Projectile Launcher

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).

Required for computer-based lab:

(See lab download for Xplorer GLX-based lab requirements, which may differ)

Probeware

Other Materials

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