Projectile Motion Lab

Height from top of ramp to table: 14cm 0.005cm or 0.14m 0.00005m

Height from table to floor (i.e. drop height): 79cm 0.005cm or 0.79m 0.00005m
Prediction Calculations:
Time of fall:
vyi=0m/s

ay=-9.8m/s2

dy=-0.79m

d= vyit + ayt2
d= 0 + ayt2
2d/a = t
t=2(0.79)/9.8
t= 0.401527
Uncertainty:
2*5.0e-5/9.8= 1.020408e-5m
| (1.020408e-5/0.161224)* |= 3.1645569e-5
3.1645569e-5*0. 401527 = 1.270655e-5
t= 0.40153 0.00001s
Horizontal Velocity:
viy=0m/s
ay=-9.8m/s2

dy=-0.14m

vyf2=vyi2 + 2aydy
vyf= 0 + 2(9.8)(0.14)
vyf= 1.656502339m/s
vyf=vx during drop as energy is redirected to horizontal plane on ramp
vx=1.656502339m/s
Uncertainty:
2*9.8*5e-5= 9.8e-4
|(9.8e-4/2.744)* |= 1.785714e-4
1.785714e-4*1.656502339= 2.958039e-4
Vx= 1.6565 0.0003m/s
Data Table: Time and Horizontal Displacement of Ball over Four Trials
Trial Number

Time (s) 0.005s

1
2
3
4

0.69
0.77
0.86
0.74

Average Time Calculations:

0.69+0.77+0.86+0.74
=
4

0.765s

Horizontal Displacement of Ball (m)

0.00005m
0.45
0.42
0.41
0.42

Time Uncertainty Calculations:

maxmin 0.860.69
=
=
2
2

0.085s

Time = 0.77 0.09s

Average Horizontal Displacement Calculations:
0.45+0.42+0.41+0.42
=
4

0.425m

Horizontal Displacement Uncertainty Calculations:

maxmin 0.450.41
=
=
2
2

0.02m

Horizontal Displacement = 0.43 0.02m

Horizontal Velocity Calculations:
dx= 0.425m

t= 0.765s

v= t
v=

0.425
=
0.765

0.5555m/s

Uncertainty:
0.02
0.02
+
= 0.0732026
0.765 0.425
0.0732026*0.5555= 0.040668m/s
vx= 0.56 0.04m/s
Data Analysis:
Percent Difference Calculations:
Time of Fall:
ExpectedActual

0.401530.765

% Difference = |(Expected+Actual)/2| * 100% = |(0.40153+0.765)/2| * 100% = 62.3%

Horizontal Velocity:
% Difference = |

ExpectedActual
|
(Expected+Actual)/2

* 100% = |

1.65650.5556
|
(1.6565+0.5556)/2

* 100% = 99.53%

Discussion:
From our lab data and calculations we can conclude that the balls drop had an average time of 0.77
0.09s. We can also conclude that the ball had an average horizontal velocity of 0.56 0.04m/s. These
results do not comply with the laws of physics within uncertainty, as they do not match the predicted
values within uncertainty. The predicted values were found using equations derived from key laws of
physics. The predicted time of fall was 0.40153 0.00001s, and the predicted horizontal velocity was
1.6565 0.0003m/s.
The time of fall found in our experiment was about 62.3% greater than predicted. The horizontal
velocity was about 99.53% less than expected. The reason for this deviation probably results from a loss
of energy when vertical velocity is being redirected into horizontal velocity on the ramp. This energy loss

would have occurred due to sources of friction from the ramp and air resistance. The ball also would
have experienced air resistance during its drop, affecting vertical and horizontal velocity while in the air.
This lowering of velocity both on the ramp and in the air would have caused a slower, and therefore
longer, journey. When making the predictions loss of energy due to friction and air resistance was not
taken into account, explaining the deviation in results, with a lower velocity and greater time. Also,
when predicting the balls drop time, we only take into account the time the ball takes from leaving the
table to hitting the ground, but when timing the balls journey in our experiment, we include the time it
is on the ramp. This would add a few microseconds to the time. However, air resistance, friction, and the
time it is on the ramp is not enough to explain the huge difference in results and predicted values, and
sources of error must also be taken into account.
Sources of error come from human error with operating the stop watch, and spotting the balls drop
point. There would have been some inaccuracy with stopping and starting the stopwatch exactly when
the ball is released and when it hits the ground. This adds to the deviation from the predicted value,
most likely with a greater affect than air resistance and friction would have had. It is also very difficult to
accurately spot where the ball lands, so this inaccuracy would have added a lot of deviation from the
balls true horizontal displacement, ultimately leading to the largely different experimental value of
horizontal velocity compared to our predicted result. There is also the possibility that the ramp moved
during the experiment, causing some error in results, as the clamp it came with did not work and tape
had to be used to hold it down, which is not very secure.
Possible improvements to the experiment which could reduce sources of error are adding an adhesive
for the ball to drop on, using a more secure clamp, and performing more trials. If an adhesive such as
duct tape was placed face up on the floor in the area the ball drops, the ball could be held in place at its
exact drop point. This way the balls horizontal displacement could be measured much more accurately.
Also, if a better clamp was used to hold the ramp in place, this could also reduce the possibility of the
ramp moving and causing interference. Lastly, performing more trials would reduce random error,
making our results more precise.
Evaluation of a Video Analysis App: VidAnalysis Free
Graphs from the analysis from one trial of the experiment using the app:

Distance in x-direction versus time

Distance in y-direction versus time

Velocity in x-direction versus time

Velocity in y-direction versus time

This app is useful for looking at a general trend in terms of non-instantaneous values. When looking at
the distance in x-direction and distance in y-direction graphs, you are able to see the general trend in
velocity (distance over time) when observing the slope of the graphs. In the x-direction, after the ball is

dropped, we see a linear slope of the graph, indicating a constant velocity. According to the laws of
physics, in projectile motion the x-velocity stays constant, so this graphs general trend is in compliance
with that law. In the y-direction, after the ball is dropped we see more of a curved line, indicating
acceleration, and according to the laws of physics, the ball should be accelerating in the y-direction due
to gravity. However, the velocity in x-direction versus time, and velocity in y-direction versus time
graphs look messy, and it is difficult to generate proper trends from them. That is because the app is
difficult to use in terms of accurately tracking the balls movement. This app is not useful in concluding
accurate numerical and instantaneous data. I would most likely not use this app in future physics
assignments, as I found it difficult to use, and the data it generates is not accurate. I do not believe that
the apps ability to generate a couple graphs with proper general trends makes it useful enough to use
again.