During this lab, we will determine the range of a projectile being shot from a cannon. We will also better or derivation and measurement skills.
Theory
Range is the total distance covered by a moving object. Range is equal to the time taken to complete the movement times the initial velocity in the X direction. R=Voxt Vox (Initial Velocity in the X Direction) is equal to the initial velocity times the sine of the angle measure. Time can be derived as shown below...
After deriving time, the time derivative can be plugged into the range equation.
Experimental Technique
In order to find the range for a projectile launched from a cannon, many data gathering steps were involved. First, the cannon was attached to the table and set to an angle of 14 degrees. The cannon was found to be then 87.5 cm from the ground level that the projectile will land at. After gathering that information, the projectile was launched 10 times to find its velocity. Then, later in the lab, I had to resolve whether or not my range prediction was correct. To do this I placed a marked paper on the floor with carbon paper on top. After firing the projectile multiple times, I measured the distance of each mark from each launch and found the average. Later, in order to find how accurate my range prediction, i used the percent difference equation.
Data
Original Data
Diagram
Results of Launches
Analysis
The goal of the lab is to find range. Range can be found using the formula derived in theory.
The range was found to be 2.98 meters or 298 centimeters
After launching ten times, an average range of 298.55 centimeters was found by determing the average of the launches. Next, the percent difference was found to be .18%
Conclusion
We set out to find the range of a projectile being launched from a cannon. Through many steps, the range was indeed found. Testing the range prediction gave varied results mostly because it is almost impossible to launch the cannon exactly the same each time. However, with a percent difference of only .18%, clearly the predicted range was very close.