Projectile Motion Lab: Angle of Maximum Range

In summary, the conversation involved questions about a projectile motion lab where a ball was launched from a certain height and values were recorded and calculated. The angle of maximum range was found to decrease as the launch height increased, and increasing launch speed also increased the angle of maximum range. The speaker also suggested doing theoretical work to compare to experimental data and finding the equations for the projectile's path of motion. A link to relevant mathematical information was provided.
  • #1
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Hello, I have a couple of questions regarding a projectile motion lab I'm working on. The lab involved launching a ball from a mechanical launcher at a certain height and recording/calculating some values.

So I found that the angle of maximum range decreases as the launch height increases, but why does this happen? Also, why does increasing launch speed increase angle of max range?

I appreciate the help.
 
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  • #2
How comprehensive were your trials? Did you, say for example, use a constant launch speed and then gradually increase the angle from 0 to 90 degrees taking regular sets of measurements?

The obvious thing to do here is to do the theoretical work to compare to your experimental data. Do you know how to find the equations for the path of motion of your projectile? Doing so would answer your questions.
 
  • #3
The basic math is here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Projectile_motion

A key to understanding these is to think about the separate motion
in the horizontal and vertical directions.
 

1. What is projectile motion?

Projectile motion is the motion of an object through the air or space under the influence of gravity. It follows a curved path called a projectile trajectory due to the combination of its horizontal and vertical velocities.

2. What is the purpose of a "Projectile Motion Lab: Angle of Maximum Range"?

The purpose of this lab is to investigate and determine the angle at which a projectile will travel the furthest distance, also known as the angle of maximum range. This helps to understand the relationship between the angle of launch and the range of a projectile.

3. What materials are needed for the lab?

The materials needed for this lab typically include a projectile launcher, a projectile (such as a ball or marble), a protractor, a ruler, a tape measure, and a flat surface to launch the projectile from.

4. What steps are involved in conducting the lab?

The steps for this lab usually include setting up the projectile launcher, selecting an angle of launch, measuring the range of the projectile, and repeating for different angles. The data collected is then used to create a graph and determine the angle of maximum range.

5. What factors can affect the results of the lab?

The results of this lab can be affected by factors such as air resistance, wind, and the surface the projectile is launched from. The precision and accuracy of the measuring tools used can also impact the results.

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