PASCO ME-6825A MINI LAUNCHER User Manual

Page 14

Mini Launcher

012-05479B

Procedure

PART A: Determining the Initial Velocity of the Ball

➀

Put the steel ball into the Mini Launcher and cock it to the long range position.

➁

Run the timing program and set it to measure the time it takes the ball to pass through
both photogates.

➂

Shoot the ball three times and take the average of these times. Record in Table 2.1.

➃

Calculate the initial speed of the ball and record it in Table 2.1. The distance between the
photogates is 10 cm.

Trial Number

Time

Average Time

Initial Speed

Table 2.1 Initial Speed

Angle above or below horizontal = ______________

PART B: Predicting the Range of the Ball Shot at an Angle

➀

Keep the angle of the Mini Launcher at the selected angle.

➁

Measure the vertical distance from the bottom of the ball as it leaves the barrel (this position is marked on
the side of the barrel) to the floor. Record this distance in Table 2.2.

➂

Using the initial velocity and vertical distance found in Part A, calculate the time of flight and the
horizontal range for a projectile launched at the selected angle. Record in Table 2.2.

➃

Draw a line across the middle of a white piece of paper and tape the paper on the floor so the line is at
the predicted horizontal distance from the Mini Launcher. Cover the paper with carbon paper.

➄

Shoot the ball ten times.

➅

Measure the ten distances and take the average. Record in Table 2.2.