PROJECTILE MOTION






Cunningham, Mary M.               Resurrection High School
5412 W. School St.                1-312-775-6616
Chicago, IL 60641
1-312-545-0071

OBJECTIVES

To measure muzzle velocity of a projectile device. 
To predict maximum range of a projectile device at various angles. 
To measure range of device at various angles. 


APPARATUS NEEDED

Calculator, Tape measure, stopwatch, projectile device, projectiles. (This 
demonstration used a "Lobster," a device used in training tennis players.) 

RECOMMENDED STRATEGY

1.   Throw a ball or frisbee out to groups of students.  Ask students to toss the 
ball back and forth.  Have students jot down their observations and and a description 
of the motion of the ball. 

2.   Introductory discussion:  What name could we give to this category of objects? 
(PROJECTILES) Can you think of some other projectiles?  What are some of the 
characteristics of projectiles in motion?  (List all suggestions on board or 
overhead.  If necessary elicit the following terms: velocity, acceleration, time, 
horizontal motion, and vertical motion. 

3.   Explanation:  In order to analyze projectile motion with all the listed 
characteristics, we would need a NASA computer.  We are going to ignore all factors 
except velocity, acceleration and time.  If necessary review horizontal velocity and 
vertical velocity. 

4.   Presentation of activity:
     a.   Work in lab groups.
     
     b.   Explain use of the projectile device. The muzzle velocity can be determined 
          by aiming the muzzle straight up.  Record the time required for the 
          projectile to leave the muzzle and return to the ground.  Do 5-10 trials, 
          find the average round trip time. 

     c.   Choose 2-3 angles. Predict the range using vector analysis and trig 
          calculations.  (See Math Notes) Use the projectile device, measure the 
          range of the projectiles.  Compare projected range with actual range. What 
          are the sources of error? (Consider using complementary angles) 

5.   Post activity discussion: Explain why there were differences between predicted 
and experimental value of range. What were the variables? How could variables be 
controlled?  What conditions would optimize experimental values?  How could 
experiment be improved?  What other ways could projectile motion be tested? 


NOTES

1. Non-Math oriented classes:  This activity can be modified for use with students 
who are not in high school physics.  Students could be asked to predict which angle 
will make the ball go further.  They can begin with actually testing the device and 
could graph the angle vs. distance shot. 

2.   Math Notes
     
Muzzle Velocity  V(muz) = A * T
                   Where A is the acceleration of gravity and
                         T is half the round trip time for a ball 
                             shot directly upward.

Range Calculations The muzzle velocity does not change as the angle is changed.  It 
                   can be resolved into a vertical and horizontal component.  
                   Consider the angle with the horizontal to be Theta then 
                         V(ver) = V (muz) * sin Theta and
                         V(hor) = V (muz) * cos Theta
                   The time of flight can be calculated using the formula, V(ver) = A 
                   * Tup and solving for Tup. 
                   Time of flight is 2 * Tup.
                   Since the V(hor) is not accelerated, 
                   Range = V(hor) * time of flight