Projectile Motion Practicum II
Objective: Calculate the range of the ball when shot at a particular angle and then
shoot it into the coffee can.
Projectile Motion Practicum II
Part 1
Experimentally Determining the Initial Velocity of the Ball

Adjust the Mini Launcher to the angle found on your lab table.

Open the Data Studio file Time between Photogates.

Put the steel ball into the Mini Launcher and then use the plunger to cock it to
the long-range position (3 clicks).

Make sure the photogates are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the
Mini Launcher. They are 10 cm = 0.10 m apart.

You must catch the ball immediately after it passes through the
photogates!
Time between photogates (s)
Trial 1

Trial 2
Calculate the initial velocity of the ball in
Trial 3
m
s.
Average
Show your work below.
Projectile Motion Practicum II
Part 2
Shooting Into The Coffee Can!
•
Once you have calculated the muzzle velocity in Part 1, calculate the range of
the projectile at that angle and place the coffee can so that the ball will go
through the top of the can. (See Unit V Worksheet 6, Problem #3) Call Mr. K
over to see your first attempt.
•
Do not launch the ball until you are ready for your first attempt!
Hints:

Be sure that the launcher is slid all the way back so that the square nut in the
T-slot is positioned as near as possible to the muzzle.
•
There is a diagram on the side of the launcher that shows from exactly where
the ball is launched.
•
Be sure all measurements are in meters.
•
Remember, you want to shoot the ball through the top of the coffee can!
Show your work below!