Sarah McFadden

Tate Stuart
Maddie Fritz

The velocity of thrown objects

Hypothesis
If both the velocity and acceleration of a golf ball and Frisbee are calculated
and recorded, then the velocity of the Frisbee will be less compared to the
golf ball, because of its design.

Materials

Measuring tape
1 golf ball
1 Frisbee
Thrower
Catcher
Timer
Stopwatch

Procedure
1. Using the measuring tape, measure out 26.4 feet.
2. Have the thrower and catcher stand opposite one another on either
end of the measured segment.
3. Have the thrower throw the golf ball, and have the catcher catch it.
4. The timer will measure how long it takes for the ball to reach the
catcher, after the thrower has thrown it.
5. record data
6. Repeat steps 2-4, four times.
7. Replicate experiment, but instead of using a golf ball, substitute in the
Frisbee.

Diagram of procedure

Observations and data

Golf ball
Trial
1
2
3
4
5

Time(seconds):
.9
.7
1.3
.9
1.1

Distance(feet):
26.4
26.4
26.4
26.4
26.4

Time
Average: .98 seconds
Range: .6 seconds
Mode: .9 seconds
Frisbee
Trial
1
2
3
4
5

Time(seconds):
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00

Time
Average: 1.00 second
Range: 0
Mode: 1.00 second

Analysis of data
calculating for velocity:

v= d/t

calculating for acceleration:

a = vf vi

Distance(feet):
26.4
26.4
26.4
26.4
26.4

t
Golf ball

trial

Velocity (f/s)

1
2
3
4
5

29.33
37.71
18
29.33
24

Acceleration
(f/s)
32.588
53.871
13.846
32.588
21.818

Speed (mph)

Average
Acceleration(
fps)
26.4
26.4
26.4
26.4
26.4

Speed(mph)

19.99
25.71
12.27
19.99
16.36

Velocity
Average: 27.674
Range: 19.71
Mode: 29.33
Acceleration
Average: 30. 9422
Range: 40. 025
Mode: 32. 588

Frisbee

Trial

Velocity (fps)

1
2
3
4
5

26.4
26.4
26.4
26.4
26.4

Velocity

18
18
18
18
18

Average: 26.4 m/s

Range: 0
Mode: 26.4 m/s
Acceleration
Average: 26.4 m/s
Range: 0
Mode: 26.4 m/s
Summary of data
Within this experiment, on average, the golf ball had a higher velocity and
average acceleration than the Frisbee. This was as predicted. The design of
the Frisbee or potentially the type of material used to make it in comparison
to the golf ball may account for these differences in results. However the
experiment did not test what variable caused these differences, just
identified that they exist.

Error analysis
Within this experiment, there were many errors that were made. The largest
one that comes into play is actually human error. It is very hard for a person
to accurately time something that happens under a second. Between the
variables of seeing the object leaves the hands of the thrower, to when the
brain processes the information, to when the brain signals to press the timer
button, to when the timer then sees the object caught by the catcher, and
then react, the recorded time is likely to be inaccurate.
Another factor that was impacted by inconsistent human action is the
inaccurate aim of the thrower. Each time the ball or Frisbee was thrown, the
object did not follow the exact same flight pattern that it had before.
Therefore the distance is most likely slightly different each time. Even though
this is a minor factor, it is still one that could affect the data.
The experiment was also conducted outside. This involved many other
variables like wind. This could cause incongruent air friction.
Things that might mitigate some of these issues are conducting the
experiment indoors, and having a machine automatically throw the objects.

Conclusion