Pre-Calc

Parametric Experiment

NAMES__________________________________________
Step 1 Collecting of Data

In this experiment, you will be launching an object and determining the parametric equations
for the path of the object. In order to do this, you will need to collect measurements from the
launch.
1. You will need to have the initial height the object is launched from:
Initial Height __________________________
2. You need to know the time for the ball to hit the ground. Have at least two students
measure this time and take the average. If your times are quite different, then you will need to
do it again.
Average Time__________________________
3. Finally, you will need to know the distance the ball traveled horizontally. This number will
need to be in meters (convert if necessary).
Distance Traveled ________________________

Step 2 Initial Calculations

1. Using the distance traveled horizontally and the time, find the horizontal velocity (xcomponent) and hence the x term in the parametric equation.

x = _______________________
2. Using both the time and height, find the initial vertical velocity of this object. Then create the
y term of the parametric equation. Be sure to use the metric equation for height due to gravity.

y = _______________________

Step 3 Analysis
1. Given your parametric equations, at what time and height was the maximum this object
attained?

Max______________________
2. How high was the object after .5 seconds?

H = ______________________
3. When was the object 3m off the ground?

T = ______________________
4. Given the initial x and y velocities, show the graphical representation of these vectors being
added together. Be sure to draw and label the resultant. Then, algebraically find both the
magnitude and angle of launch.
y

x
r = _______________________

Step 4 Graph
1. Create a graph that models the path of your tennis ball. Be sure to have the following:
a. A neatly drawn graph that models the path of the tennis ball.
b. Axis that are well labeled with an accurate scale.
c. Label the starting point, the maximum point, and the point that it lands. Be sure
to label these points with x, y, and t values.
d. This graph can either be hand drawn or done on the computer. If it is done by
hand, it must be done on graph paper.
Remember that a graph of parametric equations will have one axis as the horizontal
distance and one as the height.
BONUS: Step 5 Extrapolation
1. Your target was 15m away. Assuming that you launched the ball at a perfect 45 o angle,
answer the following questions:
a. What must the initial velocity of the ball be in order to hit the target?

b. How long will the ball be in the air?