Log book of Experiment

Experiment 3:

Group number:

Student Names: Ali Alqabah, Hamad Alshaer, Shahad Alkawari, Malak Alsaleh

Student IDs: A01516, A01459, F2300222, F2300098

Course: principles of physics LAB

Section: 1

Semester: 2

Date: February 6, 2024

Lab Instructor: Dr.Sarhan

Table of Content

Introduction………………………………………………………….2

Materials and Methods………………………………………………3

Results……………………………………………………………….4

Discussion……………………………………………………………9

Conclusion……………………………………………………………5

References……………………………………………………………5

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Projectile Motion:

Abstract:
The objective of this experiment is to analyze projectile motion by measuring the vertical height
(y0) and horizontal distance (x) to determine the average initial velocity (V0). The experiment’s
results displayed a parabolic trajectory, consistent with theoretical expectation. Hence, denoting
a linear relationship between height and time. However, the calculated initial velocity
significantly differed from the known value, indicating a huge percentage error which is due to
systematic and human errors in the experiment.

Introduction:

Projectile motion involves the motion of an object launched into the air, following a curved path
influenced by gravity. It is important to understand the principles of projectile motion to analyze
the behavior of moving objects. By decomposing the motion into its horizontal and vertical
components, we can study the effects of gravity on the object's trajectory. This experiment aims
to analyze projectile motion by measuring the vertical height and horizontal distance to
determine the average initial velocity. The findings will contribute to our understanding of
projectile motion and help improve experimental techniques in this field.

Theory:

The motion of an object propelled into the air and traveling along a curved route under the
influence of gravity is referred to as projectile motion. By dissecting the motion into its vertical
and horizontal components, it may be examined.
The bullet travels horizontally at a constant speed because the horizontal component of velocity
stays constant. The formula x = V0 * t, where x is the distance, V0 is the initial velocity, and t is
the time, can be used to determine the horizontal distance traveled.
Gravity has an effect on the vertical component of velocity, causing the projectile to slow down
as it rises and accelerate as it falls. y = V0 * sin(theta) * t - 0.5 * g * t^2, where y represents the
height, can be used to compute the vertical distance or height. Theta is the launch angle, t is time,
and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

2
Finding the equation:

1.) Δ x =V 0 xt

Δx
t=
V 0 Cosθ

1 2
2.) Δ y=V 0 sinθt − g t
2

2
Δx 1 Δx
Δ y=V 0 sinθ( )− g( )
V 0 Cosθ 2 V 0 Cosθ

2
gΔ x
Δ y=Δx tanθ− 2 2
2V 0 co s θ

θ=0

2
−gΔ x
Δ y= 2
2V0

3.) V 0=
√ g
2y
×x

Equation 3 uses the horizontal height, vertical height, and gravitational acceleration
(9.81m/s^2) in order to calculate the initial velocity and was derived from both equation 1 and 2
using simple algebra.

Materials
● Projectile launcher
● Carbon papers
● Ruler
● Marble

Method
1. Position the projectile launcher horizontally at an initial height (h) above the table.
2. Place a carbon paper on top of a white sheet of paper with a distance on the table.
3. Measure the horizontal distance (x) and the initial height (h) and record them in a table.
4. Calculate the experimentally obtained initial velocity using equation 3.

3
Analysis

Table 1: Data of the measured horizontal height five times, vertical height, and calculated initial
velocity each time, as well as the calculated average initial velocity.

Vertical Height Horizontal Height Initial Velocity Average Initial

( y 0 ∈meters) (x ∈meters) (V ¿¿ 0∈m/ s)¿ Velocity (m/s ¿

1.53 6.92

1.40 6.33
0.24 6.52
1.40 6.33

1.50 6.78

1.38 6.24

Percentage Error Calculations:

Experimental Value−True Value

4.) Percentage Error= ×100
True Value

6.52−4.60
Percentage Error= × 100=41.74 %
4.60

This high percentage error indicates the presence of multiple errors that decrease the accuracy
of the results. This is due to the calculated initial velocity (6.52 m/s) which is much greater than
the true value (4.60 m/s).

4
Discussion of Results:
The projectile motion experiment produced insightful results but also revealed several
limitations. The gathered data, which displays the projectile's parabolic trajectory, is in line with
the fundamental principles of kinematics and theoretical assumptions. The average initial
velocity (V0) calculation showed a notable difference with the experimental value (6.52 m/s) as
shown in table 1 significantly exceeding the known true value (4.60 m/s). This significant
difference, which represents a percentage error of roughly 41.74%, raises concerns regarding the
accuracy of the measurements as well as possible systematic and human errors in the
experimental design. Despite this disparity, the data's overall trend is consistent with theory,
highlighting the significance of further improving methods of experimentation to increase the
precision of projectile motion research.

Questions
1. What are the major sources of errors in this experiment?
● Measurement Precision: Inaccuracies in measuring horizontal distance (x) and vertical
height (y0).
● Launcher Variability: Variations in the launcher's performance and initial angle.
● Air Resistance: Neglecting air resistance, assuming minimal impact.
● Angle Measurement: Precision in measuring launch angle.
● Friction and External Forces: Unaccounted forces affecting the projectile.

2. Draw the relation between the height and time.

In projectile motion, the relation between the height (y0) and time (t) can be represented
by a quadratic function. Initially, the projectile moves upward, reaching a maximum
height, and then falls back down. The height-time graph would show a symmetrical curve
with the maximum height occurring at the midpoint of the time interval.

Figure 1: shows the relationship between height and time

5
1. What is the relation between velocity and time?
The relation between velocity and time can be linear or nonlinear. In uniform motion,
where velocity remains constant, the relation is linear. In accelerated motion, where
velocity changes, the relation is nonlinear, often represented by a curved line on a graph.
3. Plot the relation between the acceleration and time in this experiment.

4. What does this experiment confirm?

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 This experiment confirms several aspects of projectile motion. Firstly, it confirms the
independence of the horizontal and vertical motions of a projectile. The horizontal
motion remains uniformly at a constant velocity, while the vertical motion is influenced
by gravity, resulting in a parabolic trajectory. Additionally, the experiment confirms that
the range of a projectile is maximized when it is launched at a 45-degree angle. This is
because the horizontal and vertical components of velocity are equal at this angle,
allowing for the maximum distance traveled.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the results of the projectile motion experiment align with the expected
trajectory, confirming the underlying principles of kinematics. However, the calculation of the
average initial velocity revealed significant differences, highlighting potential sources of error
and emphasizing the importance of improving experimental precision. This study provides
valuable insights into projectile motion and emphasizes the necessity of refining experimental
techniques to enhance the reliability and validity of results. Addressing systematic and human
errors, along with implementing stricter controls over experimental conditions, will be crucial for
advancing future experiments and contributing to a more precise and meaningful understanding
of kinematics.