Techniques in Physics Laboratory

Laboratory 7
Design & Conduct Your Own
Experiment with Projectiles

L7.1. OBJECTIVES

Students will plan and design a scientific investigation that includes:

developing a testable question

stating a hypothesis (Ifthenbecause format)
identifying the independent(manipulated) and the dependent
(responding) variables
designing a written procedure for a controlled experiment
construct a data table for data collection
graph data to demonstrate the relationships
keeping all other conditions constant
write a concluding paragraph restating your question, discuss
your results in relation to your hypothesis, ask any questions you
have about your investigation

The purpose of this lab is to study the properties of projectile motion. From
the motion of a steel ball projected horizontally, the initial velocity of the
ball can be determined from the measured range. For a given initial velocity,
the projectile range will be measured for various initial angles, and also
calculated by applying the theory for motion with constant acceleration. For
further background information, refer to the sections in your textbook on
projectile motion and motion with constant acceleration.

L7.2. BACKGROUND & THEORY

As far as the laws of mathematics refer to reality, they

are not certain; and as far as they are certain, they do
not refer to reality
- Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

123
 Lab 7 Design & Conduct Your Own Experiment with Projectiles

Refer to any textbook in physics such as Introduction to Physics by Cutnell

and Johnson. Write a brief and yet a precise note on Projectile motion. Based
on your note write the hypothesis of your experiment. Submit the note and
the hypothesis before you perform your experiment.

L7.3. DIRECTIONS

Write your best understanding of the word projectile:

Reflect on todays warm up; what are the factors do you think effect
projectile movement?
With your lab partner, agree on one of the above factors and together
propose a question.
Write your Hypothesis (Ifthenbecause)

Log onto:
http://phet.colorado.edu/simulations/sims.php?sim=Projectile_Motion

Or scan this QR Code using your mobile device:

Press the green RUN NOW button

Explore the Projectile Simulation and determine how to test your
question.
Design a data table and collect data
Show the relationship of your data in a graph.
Describe why using the simulation is a good method for studying
projectiles. Clearly identify the error sources the simulation eliminates
or minimizes.
Refer to learning goal h and write your conclusion

L7.4. ASSIGNMENT

Write a full lab report for this experiment. Explain clearly your work.

124