Title: Softball Toss
Objectives: Using time, distance, g, and vector analysis,
determine velocity of ball thrown into air.
Materials:
softball, stopwatch, football field.
NOTE: Each “team” has 1 thrower, 2 timers (1 optional
spotter)
Methods
1. Prepare
your lab data sheet to record your
throw:
a.
total time in the air to 0.1 seconds based on an average
of the two timers.
b. the horizontal distance accurate to 1
meter (throw must be perpendicular to goal line)
2. Throw the
softball 10 - 20 m to maximize "hang time." Use a high
angle of throw.
Analysis of your throw:
1. Using the motion
equations and your data for time and distance, determine the
vertical & horizontal velocities and the maximum height of
the ball.
2. Using graphical
vector analysis (i.e., 1.0 cm = 1.0 m/s), draw to scale the
vertical velocity component and the horizontal
velocity component. The
velocity and angle that you threw the ball is represented by the
resultant. Determine
for your throw the release velocity and the angle of throw from
the horizontal.
3. In the absence of
air resistance, predict & explain the ideal angle to maximize
horizontal distance.
4. Determine
the following for your throw:
a)
g at the maximum height of the throw.
b)
the velocity of the ball at just prior to impact.
c) the vertical and horizontal
velocities at the top of the parabolic flight.
5. Summary
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