Physics Department
Name: April Joy Gavin Class Schedule: 1pm-3pm (MWF)
Program & Year: BSCompE1 EP1 Instructor: Engr. Cecilia Nellas
Laboratory Activity No. 1
Projectile in Motion
I. Objectives
This laboratory activity aims to define and study the elements of projectile motion.
II. Equipments/Materials/Tools
, Physics Department
III. Methods
A. Determination of the muzzle velocity of the Ballistic Pendulum Set
1. A ball is fired horizontally and its range and distance of fall are measured. From the measured values, the muzzle
velocity of the firing device (Blackwood Ballistic Pendulum) is determined.
2. Cover the table with plywood to avoid tile rupture during impact. Align plywood and friction board edge with that of
the table. Mark the location of the ballistic pendulum set on the friction board.
3. Test fire the gun to note the approximate location where the ball strikes the table. To test fire, cock the spring with
the ball in the barrel by pushing the ball against the plunger until the trigger mechanism latches in its range
position.
4. Tape a piece of white paper at the location where the ball hits the table (plywood). Then place a piece of carbon
paper (carbon-side down) on top of the white paper and tape it down.
5. Measure the vertical distance from the bottom of the ball as it leaves the barrel to the plywood on the table.Record
value in cm as h in Table 1.1.
6. Measure the horizontal distance along the plywood on the table from the release point (center of the ball) to each
dot on the paper.
7. Record the horizontal distance shown as R1 in Table 1.1.
8. Record the horizontal distance shown as R2 in Table 1.1.
9. Record the horizontal distance shown as R3 in Table 1.1.
B. Predicting the Range of the Ball Launched at an Angle
1. Using the computed value as the initial velocity, the theoretical ranges are computed according to angles of
projections and will be compared to the measured actual ranges for a certain angle of projection.
2. Adjust the angle of the Projectile Launcher to an angle between 5 and 35 degrees. This is done by adjusting the
inclination of the friction board using the screw on its side. Record the angle selected in Table 1.2.
3. Tape a piece of white paper at the location where the ball hits the table (plywood). Then place a piece of carbon
paper (carbon-side down) on top of the white paper and tape it down.
4. Measure the vertical distance from the bottom of the ball as it leaves the barrel to the plywood on the table. Record
value as h’ (in cm) in Table 1.2.
5. Measure the horizontal distance along the plywood on the table from the release point (center of the ball) to each
dot on the paper.
6. Take Note of the horizontal distance shown for trial 1.
7. Take Note of the horizontal distance shown for trial 2.
8. Take Note of the horizontal distance shown for trial 3.
9. Compute the average of three measurements and record as Measured Range, R’.
10. Compute the time of flight, computed range and percentage of difference.
Formulas:
∆y = v sin ∆x = v cos
0
2
0
where: ∆y = –h’ R = ∆x
Name: April Joy Gavin Class Schedule: 1pm-3pm (MWF)
Program & Year: BSCompE1 EP1 Instructor: Engr. Cecilia Nellas
Laboratory Activity No. 1
Projectile in Motion
I. Objectives
This laboratory activity aims to define and study the elements of projectile motion.
II. Equipments/Materials/Tools
, Physics Department
III. Methods
A. Determination of the muzzle velocity of the Ballistic Pendulum Set
1. A ball is fired horizontally and its range and distance of fall are measured. From the measured values, the muzzle
velocity of the firing device (Blackwood Ballistic Pendulum) is determined.
2. Cover the table with plywood to avoid tile rupture during impact. Align plywood and friction board edge with that of
the table. Mark the location of the ballistic pendulum set on the friction board.
3. Test fire the gun to note the approximate location where the ball strikes the table. To test fire, cock the spring with
the ball in the barrel by pushing the ball against the plunger until the trigger mechanism latches in its range
position.
4. Tape a piece of white paper at the location where the ball hits the table (plywood). Then place a piece of carbon
paper (carbon-side down) on top of the white paper and tape it down.
5. Measure the vertical distance from the bottom of the ball as it leaves the barrel to the plywood on the table.Record
value in cm as h in Table 1.1.
6. Measure the horizontal distance along the plywood on the table from the release point (center of the ball) to each
dot on the paper.
7. Record the horizontal distance shown as R1 in Table 1.1.
8. Record the horizontal distance shown as R2 in Table 1.1.
9. Record the horizontal distance shown as R3 in Table 1.1.
B. Predicting the Range of the Ball Launched at an Angle
1. Using the computed value as the initial velocity, the theoretical ranges are computed according to angles of
projections and will be compared to the measured actual ranges for a certain angle of projection.
2. Adjust the angle of the Projectile Launcher to an angle between 5 and 35 degrees. This is done by adjusting the
inclination of the friction board using the screw on its side. Record the angle selected in Table 1.2.
3. Tape a piece of white paper at the location where the ball hits the table (plywood). Then place a piece of carbon
paper (carbon-side down) on top of the white paper and tape it down.
4. Measure the vertical distance from the bottom of the ball as it leaves the barrel to the plywood on the table. Record
value as h’ (in cm) in Table 1.2.
5. Measure the horizontal distance along the plywood on the table from the release point (center of the ball) to each
dot on the paper.
6. Take Note of the horizontal distance shown for trial 1.
7. Take Note of the horizontal distance shown for trial 2.
8. Take Note of the horizontal distance shown for trial 3.
9. Compute the average of three measurements and record as Measured Range, R’.
10. Compute the time of flight, computed range and percentage of difference.
Formulas:
∆y = v sin ∆x = v cos
0
2
0
where: ∆y = –h’ R = ∆x
