Name: Kellan Sutherlin
Period: 1st
PhET Simulation – Projectile Motion
Learning Goals:
●
Predict how varying initial conditions effect a projectile path (mass, angles ,initial speed, and , initial height)
●
Use reasoning to explain the predictions.
●
Explain common projectile motion terms in their own words. (launch angle, initial speed, initial height, range,
final height, time)
●
Describe why using the simulation is a good method for studying projectiles.
Procedure: Using the PhET simulation (http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/projectile-motion) for projectile
motion, Use Intro screen to test your ideas about the things that affect the landing location of a projectile.
.
Each part asks you to collect data to determine the effect of the different parameters on the time and distance.
You will change the objects mass, angle, and the velocity at t= 0.
You will need to use time/distance meter, the green dot marks Ymax, the yellow dot marks Xmax
Use the reset bottom to clear the data from the screen
Adjust the different parameters and fill out the tables below. Use your data to answer the following questions.
Name: Kellan Sutherlin
Period: 1st
Part A: Change only the object (mass) and leave all other parameters alone. Use the blue meter to get data
Object
Mass
(kg)
Range
(Xmax) m
Golf ball
Time x
(s)
Height
(Ymax,)m
10
Range at
(ymax)m
0
Time y
(s)
0
Pumpkin
Piano
Tank Shell
● How does changing mass affect the projectile motion of an object?
Part B: Pick the human and set an angle of 70o and set cannon height at 1m. Change only the initial speed.
Initial
Speed
5 m/s
Range
(Xmax) y=0
Time x
(s)
Height (Ymax,)
Range at
(ymax)
Time
(s)
15 m/s
20 m/s
25 m/s
● How does changing the initial speed affect the projectile motion of an object?
Part B: Pick the piano with an angle of 60o and speed of 15m/s and change only the cannon height
Initial height
(m)
1
Range
(Xmax) y=0
Time x
(s)
Height
(Ymax,)
Range at
(ymax)
Time y
(s)
4
7
10
● How does changing height of Y0 affect the projectile motion of an object?
Part D: Set the cannon height to 1m and pick the golf ball as your object. Change only the firing angle.
Name: Kellan Sutherlin
Period: 1st
Angle
Range
Time x
Height (Ymax,)
Range at
(Xmax) y=0
(s)
(ymax)
o
80
60o
40o
20o
● How does changing the firing angle affect the projectile motion of an object?
Time y
(s)
Part E: By experimentation determine the angle that produces the max Y value (height)? What angle produces
the max X value (range)? Change only the firing angle.
Xmax angle = _________
Ymax angle = _______________
Part F: Analysis of data
a. List the factors that affect the landing site of a projectile and the discoveries you made manipulating the
simulation.
b. For each item, briefly explain why you think the landing location was altered.
c. Which factor(s) appear most important in projectile motion? Explain your answer!
Everyday Physics in your life: Dollar store toys
d. If we went outside to tennis courts again, what would you do to achieve the greatest range for your
projectile bug?