PASCO ME-6800 Projectile Launcher (Short Range) - Manual (Page 24)

P r o j e c t i l e L a u n c h e r E x p . 4 : P r o j e c t i l e P a t h
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20 012-05043G
4. Cover the target board with white paper. Tape carbon paper over the white paper.
Procedure
1. Measure the vertical height from the floor to the muzzle and record the height in the Data Table. Mark this
height on the target.
2. Measure the horizontal distance from the muzzle of the Launcher to the target board and record it in the Data
Table.
3. Shoot the ball.
4. Move the target board about 10 to 20 cm closer to the Launcher.
5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 until the height of the ball when it strikes the target board is about 10 to 20 cm below
the height of the muzzle.
Data Table 4.1
Height of Muzzle = ____________________
Analysis
1. On the target board, measure the vertical distances from the muzzle level mark down to the ball marks and
record them in Table 4.1.
2. Calculate x2 for all the data points and record them in the Data Table.
3. Plot a graph of y versus x2 and draw the best-fit light through the data points.
4. Calculate the slope of the graph and record it in Table 4.2.
5. From the slope of the graph, calculate the initial speed of the ball as it leaves the muzzle. Record the initial
speed in Table 4.2.
6. Pick any x, y data point from Table 4.1. Use the vertical distance, y, to calculate the time, t. Calculate the ini-
tial speed using this time and the horizontal distance, x. Record the results in Table 4.2.
Table 4.1: x, y Data
Horizontal (x) Vertical (y) x
2