Development of a Simple Projectile Motion Experiment Set from an Aluminum Tube

Abstract

Projectile motion is an important topic in physics, but the experimental tools for studying it are often quite expensive. Therefore, developing a simple projectile motion experiment setup is highly significant. The objective of this research was to develop a simple projectile motion experiment using an aluminum tube and to test the performance of the newly developed experimental setup. This research utilized aluminum tubes, which were designed to allow for multiple firing angle adjustments and height adjustments, enabling the study of projectile motion and parabolic trajectories. The performance testing of the simple projectile motion setup involved determining the spring constant used for firing and measuring the initial velocity of the projectile as it exited the tube. The test results showed that the average spring constant was 128.28 ± 0.006 N/m. The initial velocity of the projectile measured at the tube’s exit was an average of 2.32 ± 0.01 m/s and 3.83 ± 0.02 m/s, respectively. When adjusting the force of firing at the same height, the horizontal distance traveled by the projectile increased. This experimental setup allowed for precise adjustments of the firing position and was more cost-effective than standard experimental setups available in the market. The results of this research highlight the development of an effective, cost-efficient projectile motion experiment tool, which can enhance physics teaching and learning in educational institutions.