Physics Lab Report
Grade: 12B
Group: 1
Experiment number 001 Date 08 / 04 / 2017 E.C
Title: Horizontal Projectile Motion
Objective
This experiment aims to:
1. Verify the formulas related to horizontal projectile motion.
2. Investigate the relationship between initial velocity and the horizontal range of a projectile.
2ℎ
3. Compare the theoretical total time of flight calculated using the formula 𝑡 = √ 𝑔 with the time measured using a
stopwatch.
Theory
Projectile motion occurs when an object is projected into the air and moves under the influence of gravity only. Horizontal
projection is a specific type of projectile motion in which the initial velocity has no vertical component (i.e., 𝑣0𝑦 = 0).
Key equations for horizontal projectile motion include:
𝑥
• Horizontal velocity (𝑣𝑥 ) is constant: 𝑣𝑥 = 𝑣0𝑥 = 𝑡 .
2ℎ
• Time of flight depends on vertical displacement and gravity: 𝑡 = √ 𝑔 .
Where:
• h: Vertical height of the table.
• g: Acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²).
• t: Total time of flight.
• x: Horizontal distance traveled by the projectile.
Apparatus
• Ball bearing (as the projectile).
• Spring launcher to provide initial velocity.
• Carbon paper (to mark landing points).
• Table (as the projection height).
• Stopwatch (to measure flight time).
• Measuring tape (to measure distances).
Procedure
1. Set up the apparatus as shown in the provided diagram.
2. Use the spring launcher and ball bearing at the edge of the table. Place carbon paper on the ground to record the impact
points.
3. Measure the height of the table (ℎ = 0.84𝑚).
4. Launch the ball horizontally using the spring launcher. Record the following for each trial:
• Horizontal distance traveled (𝑥).
• Time of flight (𝑡) using the stopwatch.
x
• Initial velocity (𝑣0𝑥 ) calculated using v0x = t .
5. Repeat multiple trials with varying spring launcher settings and record results for comparison.
Data and Observation
Trial Released Spring Time (t) Horizontal Calculated Initial
Height (h) Power Distance (x) Velocity (𝒗𝟎𝒙 )
1 0.84 m Low 0.41 s 0.98 m 2.39 m/s
2 0.84 m Low 0.44 s 1.01 m 2.29 m/s
3 0.84 m Low 0.43 s 1.00 m 2.32 m/s
4 0.84 m High 0.61 s 1.90 m 3.10 m/s
5 0.84 m High 0.64 s 1.93 m 3.01 m/s
6 0.84 m High 0.62 s 1.92 m 3.06 m/s
Results and Analysis
1. Theoretical Time of Flight Calculation:
2ℎ
Using 𝑡 = √ 𝑔 :
2×0.84𝑚
𝑡=√ 9.81𝑚
≈ 0.414 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑠.
This value is approximately equal to the time measured using the stopwatch. The slight discrepancy can be attributed to
human reaction time.
2. Horizontal Range and Initial Velocity Relationship:
The results indicate that as the initial velocity (𝑣0𝑥 ) increases, the horizontal range (𝑥) increases, consistent with the
theory.
3. Error Analysis:
• Timing Error: The manual timing method introduces delays.
• Air Resistance: It may have had minimal impact, causing slight inaccuracies.
• Launcher Consistency: Variations in spring power could lead to slight inconsistencies in velocity.
Conclusion
The experiment successfully verified the formulas for horizontal projectile motion.
Key findings include:
1. The relationship between initial velocity (𝑣0𝑥 ) and horizontal range (𝑥) was validated.
2. The measured time of flight was close to the theoretical value, with minor deviations attributed to timing errors.
3. The practical application of physics concepts in analyzing motion was demonstrated effectively.
Future improvements could include using automated timing systems to reduce errors and conducting trials under controlled
conditions.
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