Simulation – Projectile Motion

Learning Goals:

● Predict how varying initial conditions affect a projectile path (mass, angles ,initial speed, and , initial height)

● Use reasoning to explain the predictions.

● Explain common projectile motion terms in their own words. (launch angle, initial speed, initial height, range,

final height, time)

● Describe why using the simulation is a good method for studying projectiles.

Procedure: Using the PhET simulation (http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/projectile-motion) for projectile

motion, Use the Intro screen to test your ideas about the things that affect the landing location of a projectile.

Each part asks you to collect data to determine the effect of the different parameters on the time and distance.

You will change the object's mass, angle, and the velocity at t= 0.

You will need to use time/distance meter, the green dot marks Ymax, the yellow dot marks Xmax

Use the reset button to clear the data from the screen
Adjust the different parameters and fill out the tables below. Use your data to answer the following questions.

Part A: Change only the object (mass) and leave all other parameters alone. Use the blue meter to get data
Object Mass Range Time x Height Range at Time y
(kg) (Xmax) m (s) (Ymax,)m (ymax)m (s)
Golf ball 0.05kg 21.42m 1.43s 10 0 0

Pumpkin 5kg 21.42m 1.43s 10 0 0

Piano 400kg 21.42m 1.43s 10 0 0

Tank Shell 42kg 21.42m 1.43s 10 0 0

● How does changing mass affect the projectile motion of an object?

No, changing the mass of a projectile does not directly affect its projectile motion.The motion of a projectile is
primarily influenced by factors such as initial velocity, launch angle, and the force of gravity

Part B: Pick the human and set an angle of 70o and set cannon height at 1m. Change only the initial speed.
Initial Range Time x Height (Ymax,) Range at Time
Speed (Xmax) y=0 (s) (ymax) (s)
5 m/s 1.94m 1.14s 2.1m 0.82m 0.48s

15 m/s 15.1m 2.94s 11.13m 7.37m 1.44s

20 m/s 26.56m 3.88s 19m 13.1m 1.92s

25 m/s 41.31m 4.83s 29.13m 20.48m 2.39s

● How does changing the initial speed affect the projectile motion of an object?

Changing the initial speed of a projectile has a direct impact on its projectile motion. The initial speed
determines the magnitude of the projectile's velocity at the beginning of its trajectory. Increasing the initial
speed will result in a higher velocity, which leads to a greater range and a flatter trajectory.

Part B: Pick the piano with an angle of 60o and speed of 15m/s and change only the cannon height
Initial height Range Time x Height Range at Time y
(m) (Xmax) y=0 (s) (Ymax,) (ymax) (s)
1 20.42m 2.72s 9.6m 9.93m 1.32s

4 21.95m 2.93s 12.6m 9.93m 1.32s

 7 23.31m 3.11s 15.6m 9.93m 1.32s

10 24.54m 3.27s 18.6m 9.93m 1.32s

● How does changing height of Y0 affect the projectile motion of an object?

Changing the height of Y0, which represents the initial vertical position of the projectile, affects its projectile
motion in two main ways. First, it influences the vertical displacement or height reached by the projectile during
its flight. A higher initial height will result in a greater maximum height attained by the projectile, it affects the
time of flight of the projectile. A higher initial height will generally lead to a longer time of flight since the
projectile will take more time to reach the ground.

Part D: Set the cannon height to 1m and pick the golf ball as your object. Change only the firing angle.
Angle Range Time x Height (Ymax,) Range at Time y
(Xmax) y=0 (s) (ymax) (s)
80o 8.02m 3.08s 12.12m 3.92m 1.51s
60o 20.42m 2.72s 9.6m 9.93m 1.32s
40o 23.72m 2.06s 5.74m 11.29m 0.98s
20o 17.11m 1.21s 2.34m 7.37m 0.58s
● How does changing the firing angle affect the projectile motion of an object?l

When the firing angle is increased from the horizontal, the projectile follows a higher, more arched trajectory,
reaching greater heights and shorter distances. Conversely, when the firing angle is decreased, the projectile
follows a lower, flatter trajectory, covering longer distances but with lower maximum heights.

Part E: By experimentation determine the angle that produces the max Y value (height)? What angle produces
the max X value (range)? Change only the firing angle.
Xmax angle = _________ Ymax angle = _______________
Part F: Analysis of data
a. List the factors that affect the landing site of a projectile and the discoveries you made manipulating the
simulation.

Factors affecting the landing site of a projectile include initial velocity, angle of projection, air resistance,
gravity, and mass/shape, and manipulating the simulation allows for discoveries such as optimal launch angles,
the impact of air resistance, the influence of varying initial velocities, and the effect of mass/shape on trajectory
and landing site.
 b. For each item, briefly explain why you think the landing location was altered.

1. Initial velocity: Changing the initial velocity alters the projectile's speed, resulting in different flight times
and distances traveled, thus affecting the landing location.
2. Angle of projection: Altering the launch angle modifies the trajectory of the projectile, changing the balance
between horizontal and vertical components of motion, ultimately shifting the landing location.
3. Air resistance: Increasing or decreasing air resistance affects the drag force acting on the projectile, which
can slow it down or alter its trajectory, causing a change in the landing location.
4. Gravity: The strength of gravity determines how quickly the projectile falls, so increasing or decreasing
gravity alters the time of flight and thus impacts the landing location.
5. Mass and shape: Modifying the mass and shape of the projectile changes its aerodynamic properties, leading
to variations in lift, drag, and stability, which in turn influence the trajectory and landing location.

c. Which factor(s) appear most important in projectile motion? Explain your answer!

The initial velocity and angle of projection are the most important factors in projectile motion as they primarily
determine the range, trajectory, and landing location of the projectile.

Everyday Physics in your life: Dollar store toys

d. If we went outside to tennis courts again, what would you do to achieve the greatest range for your
projectile bug?

To achieve the greatest range for a projectile bug on a tennis court, I would adjust the angle of projection to
approximately 45 degrees and ensure that I launch the bug with the maximum initial velocity possible, either by using a
slingshot or applying a strong and precise throwing motion.
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