Name ________________________ Period _____
Maximum Projectile Range & Complimentary Angles Lab
Purpose: To find the angle of projection that gives the maximum range possible for a projectile.
Testable Questions: 1. What launch angle gives a projectile the maximum horizontal flight distance?
2. Is there a relationship between complimentary launch angles and the horizontal
flight distance?
Preparation: Calculate the range values (dx) and the flight times (t) for each angle of projection in the
table below. Assume your starting velocity in each case is 100 m/s. Show your work for
the first dx and t calculations only in the box provided below.
Angle
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Range (dx) (m)
Time (t) (s)
Work:
Question #1a: What do your calculations seem to indicate about the best angle to launch a projectile in
order to get it to go the farthest horizontal distance?
Further Preparation: Let’s narrow down the angle. Calculate the range range values (dx) and the flight
times (t) for each angle of projection in the table below. Assume your starting
velocity in each case is 100 m/s.
Angle
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
Range (dx) (m)
Time (t) (s)
Question #1b: What do your calculations seem to indicate about the best angle to launch a projectile in
order to get it to go the farthest horizontal distance?
Real -World Test: Now let’s try it out. Record the actual horizontal distance reached by our projectile for
each angle of projection shown below.
Angle
10
20
30
40
45
50
60
70
80
Range (dx) (m)
Question #2: What do your calculations and actual trials seem to indicate about complimentary angles of
projection and horizontal distance of flight?