Projectile Motion: Understanding Theoretical vs. Experimental Values

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The discussion revolves around comparing experimental values of projectile motion with theoretical predictions. A theoretical line in this context refers to the expected relationship between horizontal distance and horizontal velocity, derived from equations of motion. Participants clarify that horizontal velocity remains constant, represented as a horizontal line in a distance vs. velocity graph. To determine the theoretical line, one can use the initial velocity and angle to calculate expected values for comparison. The conversation concludes with the realization that the theoretical line aligns with the constant nature of horizontal velocity in the given plot.
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I have a lab question that states "does your experimental value agree with the theoretical line for projectile motion?" What is a theoretical line and how do I compare these value.

I thought a theoretical line is x=V(sq.root(2h/g)), but I am not sure.
 
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What value did you measure?
 
i measured the horizontal distance and and horizontal velocity.
 
Touchme said:
i measured the horizontal distance and and horizontal velocity.

So, which is the equation of the displacement in the x-direction? Which is the equation of the horizontal component of velocity? Use these equations to compare your test results with the 'theoretical' values.
 
The problem is that the theoretical values are not given. All I have is the equation and a plot of my experimental values. How do I determine the theoretical line that I need to compare my values?
 
Well, I guess you have a plot of your experimental values dependent on time, right? So, just plug the 'times' into the 'theoretical' equations and compare the results. I hope I'm not missing something big here.
 
It is not a plot dependent on time. The plot is x (distance) vs. horizontal velocity. I plugged the values into the equation above and compared the values. But, is there a way I can draw or determine the theoretical line?
 
Touchme said:
It is not a plot dependent on time. The plot is x (distance) vs. horizontal velocity. I plugged the values into the equation above and compared the values. But, is there a way I can draw or determine the theoretical line?

Horizontal velocity is constant and equals vx = v0*cosA, where v0 is the initial velocity and A is its angle. Since it is constant during time, it is represented as a horizontal line in a t-vx coordinate system. Maybe this is what you mean by 'theoretical' line.
 
how is it represented in a X vs Vx coordinate system?
 
  • #10
Touchme said:
how is it represented in a X vs Vx coordinate system?

The same. vx is constant for every point x.
 
  • #11
hmm.. i think i got it thanks
 

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