SUNWAY COLLEGE AUSTRALIAN MATRICULATION PHYSICS 2012

LABORATORY SESSION : PROJECTILE MOTION Aim: To determine the initial velocity of a body projected horizontally under the action of gravity. Equipment: Curved track, steel ball, ruler, carbon paper, paper. Method: 1. Set up the apparatus as shown.

2.

Roll a steel ball down the track so that it impacts on the target paper. The carbon paper will cause an impression to be left on the paper beneath. Determine the distance sH by measuring from the point the ball leaves the track to the impression caused by the ball imparting on the target. Repeat step 2. three times, making sure that you release the ball evenly each tiem from the same height. Measure sV, the vertical distance fallen by the ball after leaving the track.

3. 4.

Results: Measurement of sH = Average value of sH = Measurement of sV =

SUNWAY COLLEGE AUSTRALIAN MATRICULATION PHYSICS 2012

Discussions and questions: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Knowing g = 9.80 ms-2, uV = 0, and sV from the experimental results, determine the time it takes for the ball to fall vertically through distance sV. Use the value of time of flight you have determined above to determine uH. Draw a diagram to show the forces acting on the body as it falls. Would you expect to get the same results if you used a more massive steel ball? Explain, Try this. Why is it important to release the steel ball from the same height up in the track each time? Comment on any sources of error in the experiment. Describe the path taken by a body projected horizontally under gravity. What causes this motion?

You must present a lab report for this practical in the usual format.