Projectile Motion

Introduction

Up to this point it is likely that you have examined the motion of an object in one dimension only – either on a horizontal or inclined surface, or falling vertically under the influence of the force of earth’s gravity.

In this experiment, you will examine the behavior of a projectile – an object moving in space due to the exertion of some launching force. Such an object can undergo motion in two dimensions simultaneously. Using the video analysis features of Logger Pro, you will compare features of the position-time and velocity-time graphs with those you have studied earlier.

Objectives

In this experiment, you will

• Use video analysis techniques to obtain position, velocity, and time data for a projectile.
• Analyze the position vs. time and velocity vs. time graphs for both the horizontal and vertical components of the projectile’s motion.
• Determine the best fit equations for the position vs. time and velocity vs. time graphs for both the horizontal and vertical components of the projectile’s motion. 
• Relate the parameters in the best-fit equations for position vs. time and velocity vs. time graphs to their physical counterparts in the system.
• Relate the horizontal and vertical components of the projectile’s motion to any forces acting on the object while it is moving.
• Produce a movie of an object undergoing projectile motion.