Lab 4: Projectile Motion
Lab 4: Projectile Motion
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Background & Lab Introduction
Background & Lab Introduction
For this lab, we created a marshmallow launching device. We wanted to measure the initial velocity of the marshmallow. Initial velocity can be calculated by obtaining the distance, time, and final velocity. This lab is focused on projectile motion. Projectile motion is an object being projected into the air.
For this lab, we created a marshmallow launching device. We wanted to measure the initial velocity of the marshmallow. Initial velocity can be calculated by obtaining the distance, time, and final velocity. This lab is focused on projectile motion. Projectile motion is an object being projected into the air.
Methods
Methods
For our launch machine, we used popsicle sticks, elastic bands, a spoon, and our marshmallow. We measured the launch angle with a protractor, 20 degrees. We stacked the popsicles in a cross shape and used the rubber bands to secure them. We also secured the spoon and ensured it would launch by adding rubbing bands around the base of the spoon. 10 trials were conducted. We placed a 2-meter stick on the floor to measure distance. We used video recordings and a stopwatch to measure the time. After this, we calculated for initial velocity using 2(d/t)-final velocity. I also calculated average initial velocity.
For our launch machine, we used popsicle sticks, elastic bands, a spoon, and our marshmallow. We measured the launch angle with a protractor, 20 degrees. We stacked the popsicles in a cross shape and used the rubber bands to secure them. We also secured the spoon and ensured it would launch by adding rubbing bands around the base of the spoon. 10 trials were conducted. We placed a 2-meter stick on the floor to measure distance. We used video recordings and a stopwatch to measure the time. After this, we calculated for initial velocity using 2(d/t)-final velocity. I also calculated average initial velocity.
This image shows us measuring the launch angle with a protractor.
This image shows us measuring the launch angle with a protractor.
This is a picture of our marshmallow launching machine.
This is a picture of our marshmallow launching machine.
Possible Errors: Launching a marshmallow at a similar trajectory and distance was difficult. It took us a while to figure out how to properly launch it.
Possible Errors: Launching a marshmallow at a similar trajectory and distance was difficult. It took us a while to figure out how to properly launch it.
Results
Results
Below is a chart showing each trial's distance, time, velocity, initial velocity, and their averages. We found that the average initial velocity for the marshmallow was 4.55 m/s.
Below is a chart showing each trial's distance, time, velocity, initial velocity, and their averages. We found that the average initial velocity for the marshmallow was 4.55 m/s.
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