Projectile Motion & Kinetic Energy
1 · Predict
If you launch the ball faster, how will its kinetic energy at launch and its maximum height change?
- Both increase
- They stay the same
- Kinetic energy increases but height stays the same
2 · Set Up
- Open the projectile simulation and press Reset.
- Enable the speed probe and the height readout.
- Set the launch speed for each trial below, press Play, and record the peak values.
3 · Collect Data
| Mass m (kg) | Launch speed v (m/s) | KE = ½mv² (J) | Max height h (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8 | ||
| 1 | 10 | ||
| 1 | 12 |
Plot maximum height h (y-axis) against kinetic energy at launch KE (x-axis).
4 · Analyze
- Show your work computing KE = ½mv² for one trial and compare it to the simulation's kinetic-energy readout.
- Describe the relationship between launch kinetic energy and maximum height. Is it linear? Cite numbers from your table.
5 · Extend
- At a fixed speed, what launch angle gives the greatest maximum height? Explain why.
- Real projectiles don't reach the height your table predicts. Where does the missing energy go?
The Physics Behind This Experiment
Kinetic Energy
The energy of motion at launch, from the mass and launch speed you set for each trial.
Gravitational Potential Energy
The energy stored at the ball's peak height. By conservation of mechanical energy, this should equal the kinetic energy at launch when air resistance is ignored — that's the relationship your data table is testing.