Projectile Motion Pre-Activity
Purpose
The purpose of this experiment is to create graphical and mathematical
representations of the relationship between the range of a ball and the angle at
which it is launched. The angle that gives the greatest range is also determined
when launching on a level table.
Projectile Motion Pre-Activity
• 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 as in the diagram. In this
configuration the launcher will shoot from table height.
• Put the steel ball into the Mini Launcher and then use the plunger to cock it to
the long-range position (3 clicks).
Projectile Motion Pre-Activity
• For each angle, fire one shot to locate where the ball hits the table. At this
position, tape a piece of white paper to the table. (One small piece of tape
should suffice!) Place, do not tape, a piece of carbon paper (carbon-side
down) on top of this paper. When the ball hits the table, it will leave a mark on
the white paper.
• Be sure all ranges are measured in meters.
• Open the LoggerPro file Projectile Range vs. Angle and graph.