Name(s):​ Melina Ferner, Celeste Clark, Pierce DeFilippo Date: ​11.09.

2017​ Core: ​2

Marble Fell In The Cup !!

Predicting a Horizontal Trajectory Challenge

Objectives:
1. Students will use kinematic equations to predict the range of a horizontal projectile.
2. Students will observe that independent nature of the horizontal and vertical components
of a projectile.
3. Students will relate the effects of friction and air resistance to trajectory.

Problem:
How can you predict the landing position of a projectile launched horizontally at any initial
velocity?

Materials:
LabQuest, photogate, stopwatch, meter stick, ramp, steel ball (or marble), catch cup, washer (or
plumb bob) and thread.

Note:​ Each student ​must​ catch the ball while it is in the air during the trials to determine the
horizontal velocity of the ball. The ball may not be allowed to hit the floor until the official “shot
for the grade”.

Procedure:

1. Set up a ramp using a track, books, and tape. Place a photogate at the end of the
table and set-up the LabQuest according to the teachers directions.
2. Start the ball at exactly the same spot each time to make sure that the horizontal
velocity with which the ball leaves the table is the same each time.
3. Determine the horizontal velocity by measuring the time it takes for the ball to roll
horizontally along the table and the horizontal distance through which it moves (use a
meter stick and stopwatch).
4. Measure the same horizontal velocity with a LabQuest and enter the data into Table
#1.
5. Run 10 trials for each.
6. Use the formula ​v​x​ = ​Δx/​t​ to calculate the each horizontal velocity.
 7. Use the vertical distance, ​Δy​, to​ ​calculate the time of flight using the motion formula
Δy​ = ½ gt2​ ​. (The initial velocity in the vertical direction is zero). Use this information to
calculate the landing position of the ball.
8. Fill in Table #2 with your calculations and predictions.
9. Place the target according to your predictions and call the teacher to witness for your
final grade.
10. Make sure you properly fill out all parts of this lab report.

Data Table #1: ​Fill-in with RED font.

Trial Meter Stick Velocity (m/s) LabQuest Velocity (m/s)

1 1.13636363636 0.873
2 1.075268817 0.885
3 1.05631579 0.856
4 1.149425287 0.885
5 1.1111111111 0.907
6 1.145475 0.907
7 0.867

Data Table #2: ​Fill-in with RED font.

Trajectory Data Meter Stick LabQuest

Maximum Velocity (m/s) 1.149425287m/s 0.907m/s
Minimum Velocity (m/s) 1.05631579m/s 0.856m/s
Average Velocity (m/s) 1.112326607m/s 0.876m/s
Table Height (m) - ​not ​.6425m .6425m
including height of cup
Predicted Impact Point (m) ​I .3621m .3621m
AVERAGED THE
VELOCITIES TOGETHER
BEFORE SOLVING