Experiment 103: Projectile Motion

Guide Questions:

1. From the result of your experiment, how would you compare the range of
the projectile at 30 degrees to the one launched at 60 degrees? Is this
consistent with the theory? Defend your answer.

The range of the projectile launched at 30 degree had a greater

ranger. The theory is not consistent because we launched the ball with
different setting of range. If they launched at the same setting, they will
have different result.

2. From the result of your experiment, how would you compare the
maximum vertical distance reached by the projectile launched at 3o
degrees to the one launched at 60 degrees? Is it consistent with the
theory?

The inclination at 60 degrees had a maximum vertical distance

rather than the one launched at 30 degrees. It is consistent with the
theory because, the theory said that the vertical distance increases as
the angle increases.

3. List down the possible sources of error in this experiment.

The possible errors are:

a.) The surface where the experiment will be performed
b.) The setting of range of the projectile launcher
c.) the presence of air resistance

Problem:

1. A cannonball can be launched with an initial velocity of 100 m/s. A

target, on the same level as the muzzle of the cannon is launched, is
1000 m away. (a.) Can the cannonball reach the target? (b.) at what
angle should be the cannon be launched to hit the target?

a.) The cannonball will reach its target.

b.)
Given:
R = 1000 m
m
v o = 100
s
θ =?

Req’d:

Angle = ?

v o2 ⋅ sin 2θ
R=
g
2
 m
100  sin 2θ
1000 m = 
s
m
9.8 2
s
2
m
0.98 2 = sin 2θ
s
2θ = sin −1 ( 0.98 )
2θ = 78 .52
θ = 39 .26 °
DISCUSSION:

It was a bit different because we must check every trial if

the projectile launcher moves and where the ball will fall. Then
after estimating or checking where the ball will fall, we put a
bond paper with carbon to mark where the ball fall. Also, the
bond paper and carbon paper will not be moved to gain
consistent result, by following each step and write the result.

There is also a difficulty in completion of the maximum

height because the iron stand is short that the maximum height
of 60 degrees at maximum range. We have to use the floor and
the projectile launcher to obtain data in the maximum height of
60 degrees.

CONCLUSION:

I can conclude that some theories must be check for its

consistency. There are some factors to be considered in
performing. First, we must consider the range to be used. The
setting of the range must be intact. Second, we must also
consider the surface in performing the experiment, it affect the
result if the surface is inclined.
I found out that the 30 degrees and 60 degrees have the
v o2 sin 2θ
same range using the formula R= but in the experiment,
g
we found out that the inclination of 30 degrees have greater
range than 60 degrees.