I have done a physics experiment where i would relase a ball from a known distance from a sloped ramp to roll onto a sloped board, measure the maximum height of its parabolic motion (highest point it reaches) I am keeping the angle of the runway and slope the same but change the distance the ball is released from the sloped ramp. How would you go about increasing the accuracy and precision. OH and i would measure the height it reaches using a rules in mm. THANKS
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The launch ramp needs to be well designed so that the speed and direction of the launch are well known.
This is surprisingly difficult.
If you use a grooved board, or a tube, the ball builds up an oscillation as it goes down so at the point of release it has some random sideways movement and the angle is not well known.
This can be partially corrected if you view the point that the ball arrives at the upwards sloped ramp.
Reject any results if the ball does not arrive close enough to the line which is an extension of the ramp.
For the ramp itself choose a good material. A smooth piece of right angle aluminium can make an excellent ramp. In needs to be mounted in a block so that the height of launch is precise.
The ball should be solid yet very round and heavy. A large diameter ball bearing can be excellent but a good quality superball has some useful properties too. Cheap ones have a moulding rim around the middle that interfere with the accuracy.
To get the maximum height, use a lightly held piece of paper. Move it as needed until the ball just brushes its surface. Then measure the position of that.
This is far more accurate than trying to estimate the position of the ball by eye.
Just remember that the centre of the ball is not at the same position as the leading edge.
Make your upwards ramp with a smooth surface and no sudden bump when the ball starts.
Choose a small angle so that there is a large distance to work with.
Then make many repeated attempts so that random error can be minimized mathematically.
Enjoy
This is surprisingly difficult.
If you use a grooved board, or a tube, the ball builds up an oscillation as it goes down so at the point of release it has some random sideways movement and the angle is not well known.
This can be partially corrected if you view the point that the ball arrives at the upwards sloped ramp.
Reject any results if the ball does not arrive close enough to the line which is an extension of the ramp.
For the ramp itself choose a good material. A smooth piece of right angle aluminium can make an excellent ramp. In needs to be mounted in a block so that the height of launch is precise.
The ball should be solid yet very round and heavy. A large diameter ball bearing can be excellent but a good quality superball has some useful properties too. Cheap ones have a moulding rim around the middle that interfere with the accuracy.
To get the maximum height, use a lightly held piece of paper. Move it as needed until the ball just brushes its surface. Then measure the position of that.
This is far more accurate than trying to estimate the position of the ball by eye.
Just remember that the centre of the ball is not at the same position as the leading edge.
Make your upwards ramp with a smooth surface and no sudden bump when the ball starts.
Choose a small angle so that there is a large distance to work with.
Then make many repeated attempts so that random error can be minimized mathematically.
Enjoy