How to Derive Initial Velocity in Projectile Motion Using Lab Measurements?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the initial velocity of a ball released from a turntable using the formula v=d(g/2h)^{1/2}. The key variables involved are the height from the ball to the tabletop, the mass of the ball, the distance from the axis of rotation to the ball, and the horizontal distance traveled. Participants emphasize the relationship between vertical and horizontal motion, highlighting that the time of fall can be calculated from the vertical distance, which is crucial for determining the horizontal velocity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of projectile motion principles
  • Familiarity with the concepts of constant acceleration
  • Knowledge of basic physics formulas related to motion
  • Ability to perform measurements accurately in a lab setting
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of motion equations in projectile motion
  • Learn about the relationship between vertical and horizontal components of motion
  • Explore the concept of constant acceleration in physics
  • Investigate experimental methods for measuring time of flight in projectile experiments
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics courses, educators teaching projectile motion, and anyone conducting experiments related to angular momentum and motion analysis.

J_o_S
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Hi

I'm having trouble figuring this one out..based on an angular momentum lab.

In the lab we had a turntable with a ball on it, when the ball was released, the intial velocity could be calculated using the formula


[itex]v=d(g/2h)^{1/2}[/itex]

I need to be able to derive the same formula

[itex]v=d(g/2h)^{1/2}[/itex]

using only measureable quantites from my lab.

measure quantities are

height (ball to table top)
mass of the ball
distance between axis of rotation and ball
distance horizontal distance

I have to derive this equation using horizontal and vertical coordinates.

any ideas?
 
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J_o_S said:
Hi

I'm having trouble figuring this one out..based on an angular momentum lab.

In the lab we had a turntable with a ball on it, when the ball was released, the intial velocity could be calculated using the formula


[itex]v=d(g/2h)^{1/2}[/itex]

I need to be able to derive the same formula

[itex]v=d(g/2h)^{1/2}[/itex]

using only measureable quantites from my lab.

measure quantities are

height (ball to table top)
mass of the ball
distance between axis of rotation and ball
distance horizontal distance

I have to derive this equation using horizontal and vertical coordinates.

any ideas?

Well, it's motion with constant acceleration. You know how far it fell (vertically) so you should be able to calculate the time it took to fall. Then you know it moved horizontally with constant speed, and you know how far it went and (from the vertical equation) how long it was in the air.

-Dan
 

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