Laboratory Module - 4

EXPERIMENT 4

PROJECTILE MOTION

1. OBJECTIVE

1.1 To understand and analyze the projectile motion in terms of:

i) Projection range
ii) Projection height
iii) Effect of initial velocity and projectile angle to the motion.

2. INTRODUCTION

2.1 Fundamental of Projectile Motion

Figure 1: Movement of a mass point under the effect of gravitational forces.

Consider the kinematics diagram illustrated in Figure 1. The projectile is launched

at point (x0, y0). The path is defined in the x-y plane such that initial velocity is v0, having
components (v0)x and (v0)y. When air resistance is neglected, the only force acting on the
projectile is its weight, which causes the projectile to has a constant downward
acceleration approximately ac=g=9.81 m/s2. The basics concepts of projectile motion are;
dynamics, kinematics, horizontal motion, vertical motion, position, magnitude, direction,
displacement, initial velocity, final velocity, constant acceleration, and gravitational
acceleration. It obeys the principles that the horizontal component of velocity always
remains constant during the motion. If the positive y axis directed upward, then the
vertical component of acceleration is opposite to the gravitational acceleration.

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3. COMPONENTS AND EQUIPMENTS

3.1 Ballistic pendulum

3.2 Recording paper
3.3 Steel ball
3.4 Two layers platform support
3.5 Meter scale
3.6 Barrel base
3.7 Timer
3.8 Speed measuring attachment
3.9 Connecting cords

Figure 2: Apparatus arrangement.

# Safety Instruction: The equipments you are using are potentially dangerous. You
are strictly required to follow the procedures outlined below. Do not make any
unnecessary actions which are not stated in the procedure. If not, an accident may
occur. In case of doubt, contact the Technician or Training Engineer immediately.

#Notes: Do not touch the tense catapult. Never put your face in front of the
opening of the catapult during and after tensing.

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4. PROCEDURE
To conduct this experiment, at least 3 students are needed, which for:

1. Student 1: To set the projectile barrel and platform and to lunch the ball to
platform.

2. Student 2: To measure the highest height of projection can achieved using 1 meter
wood scale ruler.

3. Student 3: To mark the location of steel ball on the platform, and to measure the
distance between the marking to the barrel (center of light barrier).

4.1 PART 1: EXPERIMENT PROCEDURE

4.1.1 There are 3 platform support is used to determine the range.

4.1.2 Make sure the 1st platform is closed to the Projectile unit.
4.1.3 At 0° adjust the platform level at same level to projection barrel.
4.1.4 Make sure the recording strip is on the platform.
4.1.5 Set the angle of the barrel by release the nut at the angle disc. Refer Table 1.
4.1.6 Set the speed of the barrel by pull the handle. Refer Table 1. 4.1.7 Carefully
place steel ball to the barrel.
AT THIS MOMENT DO NOT RELEASE THE SPEED HANDLE.
4.1.8 Switch ‘ON’ the speed measuring unit. Push reset button.
4.1.9 Launch the steel ball by release the speed handle.
4.1.10 Record the data provided in Table 1,

4.2 PART 2: EXPERIMENT ANALYSIS

dv ds
1. Using , and ads vdv,
a = = =, derive an equation to determine projection
dt v dt
range s and projection height h as a function of v, θ and g. Then calculate the
theoretical results of your experiment. Show the results in a separate table. 2. Construct a
graph of Projectile Range, s vs Projectile Angle, θ. The result of each speed must be
shown on the same graph.
3. Construct a graph of Projectile Height, h vs Projectile Angle, θ. The result of each
speed must be shown on the same graph.
4. Construct a graph of Projectile Range, s vs Projectile Initial Velocity, Ve when
Projection Angle, θ is 45o.
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Laboratory Module - 4

5. RESULTS
5.1 PART (A)

Fill up Table 1.

5.1.1 Table 1

Table 1
Speed 1 Speed 2 Speed 3

No. Angle Initial Distance Height Initial Distance Height Initial Distance Height
θ0 velocity s [m] h [m] velocity s [m] h [m] velocity s [m] h [m]
Ve [m/s] Ve [m/s] Ve [m/s]

1 35

2 40

3 45

4 50

5 55

5.2 PART (B): ATTACHMENTS

5.2.1 Figure 1: Projectile Range, s vs Projectile Angle, θ graph.

5.2.2 Figure 2: Projectile Height, h vs Projectile Angle, θ graph.

5.2.3 Figure 3: Range, s vs Projectile Initial Velocity, Ve graph.

6. EXERCISES

6.1 Give 2 examples of projectile motion applications.

6.2 If this experiment is conducted using the ball made from wood, would there be any
different in the results? Explain.

7. DISCUSSION

6.1 Discuss the results obtained from the graph 1.

6.2 Discuss the results obtained from the graph 2.

6.3 Discuss the results obtained from the graph 3.

6.4 Compare the experimental and theoretical result. Explain your findings.
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Laboratory Module - 4

8. CONCLUSION
Comments about the experiment objective and knowledge gained through completing
this experiment.

REFERENCES

1. Hibbeler, R. C., Engineering Mechanics Statics. 11th ed., Prentice Hall (2013) 2.
Hibbeler, R. C., Engineering Mechanics Dynamics. 11th ed., Prentice Hall (2013) 3. Beer,
F. B. and Johnston, E. R. Jr., Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics and Dynamics.
8th ed.,Canada, McGraw_Hill (2004)
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