PROJECTILE MOTION
Name_________________
Equipment
Projectile Motion Apparatus w/Table Clamp
Graph Paper, Carbon Paper, Scratch Paper, Masking Tape, 2 meter stick
Theory
When a projectile is fired, the horizontal distance traveled or “range” depends on the angle of
projection. If the final elevation is the same as the initial elevation and air-drag is negligible, then
the maximum horizontal distance occurs at an angle of projection of 45. If the final elevation is
not the same as the initial elevation, or air-drag is significant, then the maximum horizontal
distance is not 45 but some other angle. Air-drag is negligible when objects are launched at low
speed, and increases rapidly with launch speed.
Purpose
To experimentally determine the angle that gives the maximum range when the initial elevation is
not the same as the final elevation.
Procedure
1) Set up the Projector Launcher at the edge of your table.
2) Place a piece of Masking Tape on the floor directly below tip of the launcher.
3) On 1-click, launch the ball at angles of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70.
4) Measure and recording the range for each launch angle. This is best accomplished by taping
scratch paper on the floor and laying but not taping carbon paper on top of it.
Launch
Angle
Range
(cm)
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Analysis
1) Graph the Range (vertical) vs the Launch Angle (horizontal). Draw a smooth curve through the
data points.
2) Mark the highest point of the smooth curve.
3) Find the Launch Angle below the highest point and record here: __________________
Summing Up
1. If a projectile is launched from ground level at low speed, then its maximum range occurs
___ when the launch angle is less than 45 degrees.
___ when the launch angle is exactly 45 degrees.
___ when the launch angle is greater than 45 degrees.
2. If a projectile is launched above ground level at low speed, then its maximum range occurs
___ when the launch angle is less than 45 degrees.
___ when the launch angle is exactly 45 degrees.
___ when the launch angle is greater than 45 degrees.