1D60.50 Parabolic Motion with Rings

Set up rings along the trajectory of a ball launched by a spring launcher, to demonstrate its parabolic shape. The professor may then choose calculate the ball’s initial velocity from measurements made directly on the demonstration.

A PASCO projectile launcher is set at a very sharp angle at the end of a long table. Along the table, five plastic hoops are set at varying heights and angles, describing a classic ballistic arc. Each hoop is clamped to a table stand. A measuring tape appears in the foreground.

Follows the data from the experiment shown in the videos:

This photo captures the experimental data for the demo, as follows. Vertical distance from spring launcher to table 27.7 cm. Angle of launcher 66 degrees. Distance to first hoop: 26 cm. Height of first hoop: 25.5 cm. Distance to second hoop: 70 cm. Height of second hoop: 119.75 cm. Distance to third hoop: 113.5 cm. Height of third hoop: 108.3 cm. Distance to fourth hoop: 148 cm. Height of fourth hoop: 58.2 cm. Distance to fifth hoop: 178.5 cm. Height of fifth hoop: 10.5 cm.

Location: Spring launcher with protractor room 73, rings FG-6