Introduction
You have probably watched a ball roll off a table and strike the floor. What determines where it will land? Could you predict where it will land? In this experiment, you will roll a ball down a ramp and determine the ball’s velocity with a pair of Photogates. You will use this information and your knowledge of physics to predict where the ball will land when it hits the floor.
Objectives
- Measure the velocity of a ball using two Photogates.
- Apply concepts from two-dimensional kinematics to predict the impact point of a ball in projectile motion.
- Take into account trial-to-trial variations in the velocity measurement when calculating the impact point.
Sensors and Equipment
This experiment features the following sensors and equipment. Additional equipment may be required.
Correlations
Teaching to an educational standard? This experiment supports the standards below.
Ready to Experiment?
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Purchase the Lab Book
This experiment is #8A of Physics with Vernier. The experiment in the book includes student instructions as well as instructor information for set up, helpful hints, and sample graphs and data.
