Purpose: The purpose of this lab is to investigate the mathematics of projectile motion using a marble launcher.

Background: The equation R= V0sin(2)/g mathematically defines the range of a projectile given the known values of the launch angle & initial launch velocity. Materials: Cambridge Physics Outlet Marble Launcher Marble Retractable tape measure Target

Procedure: 1) Measure distance from the tip of the launch barrel to the ceiling pane. 2) Launch marble at 90 and measure the maximum vertical distance reached by the marble using a ruler. 3) Calculate horizontal range to determine placement of target. 4) Launch marble at predetermined angle, making sure that the target is perfectly horizontal with the barrel tip. Data: Distance from launch barrel to ceiling pane: 2.54m Trial 1 2 3 4 5 Avera ge Distance (m) 2.54 0.23 = 2.31 2.54 0.25 = 2.25 2.54 0.27 = 2.27 2.54 0.23 = 2.31 2.54 0.23 = 2.31 2.30 m

Observations: The target was hit. Conclusion: It was necessary to first manipulate the equation YMAX = (V0 sin)2/2g to find the launch velocity so that the equation R= V0sin(2)/g could be used to calculate the range of the projectile. 90 was used for , the launch angle, to simplify calculations (sin90=1). All calculations were verified as valid when the marble hit the target.