Vertical Motion of a Launcher
Obj: Examine V_y, d_y motion of Projectile Motion
Materials: Launcher, metal and plastic balls, meter stick

Procedures and Analysis (let g = 10 m/s²)

Safety Notice: ___________________________________________________________________________

1.  Using the plumb line, be sure the launcher is exactly perpendicular to the surface.
2.  Place a ball (plastic or metal) in the launcher and plunge it down the designated number of clicks.
3.  Fire a test round and estimate the maximum height of the ball.
4.  Now, launch the ball for three trials on the same setting, recording the approximate height to within ±2cm.
5.  Repeat for another ball (plastic or metal).
6.  For each ball, determine the average maximum height, then calculate:
            a.  time to reach the maximum height.
            b.  initial V_y velocity
            c.  acceleration of gravity at the top of the flight.
            d.  total time in the air.
            e.  total distance traveled.
            f.  total displacement of the ball.
            g.  velocity of the ball after ¼ the total time of flight
7.  On graph paper, accurately plot the velocity-time graph for the total time of flight of each ball using +v_y as up and -v_y as down.  What does the slope represent?  the total area?
8.  Sketch a displacement vs time graph for the total time of flight for each ball.
9.  Set the launcher on a table such that it is horizontal to the surface.  Verify the launch velocity for each ball using the equations for vertical fall and the d_x the ball travels after launch.
10.  Which velocity is constant, v_x or v_y?

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