PHYS-1433    LAB 7

Lab 7 focused on analyzing the principles of projectile motion by examining the independence of horizontal and vertical motion components. The primary objective was to understand how gravitational acceleration affects vertical motion without impacting horizontal velocity, validating theoretical predictions for projectile trajectories using experimental data.

The lab was divided into key parts: the first involved setting up a ramp and photogate sensors to measure the initial horizontal velocity of a ball launched off a table. We recorded the time intervals as the ball passed through two photogates, which allowed us to calculate the initial horizontal speed. The second part involved using this speed and the height of the table to predict the ball’s landing distance, applying the kinematic equation ​​ for horizontal range. We then measured the actual landing distance and calculated the percent difference between experimental and predicted values to assess the accuracy of our results.

The main goals of the lab were to enhance precision in data collection, improve analytical skills in projectile motion calculations, and verify theoretical principles governing projectile trajectories. These skills are fundamental for accurately interpreting motion data and applying kinematic equations in future physics experiments.