Antoinette, HUAFOLO
11CH
TASK DESCRIPTION:
Students are tasked with measuring the speeds of some human-propelling objects. In groups the
students will investigate different speeds by throwing the selected objects at a measured point A
to point B length and using a stopwatch to record the time taken. All data is recorded. When this
is done the students will analyze results, discuss areas and identify areas of improvement and
conclude to illustrate the understanding of the speed of common objects to illustrate
understanding of the module – Kinematics.
AIM: To measure the speeds of some human-propelled objects
APPARATUS USED:
Stopwatch
Measuring Tape
Chalk
Various ball sizes (basketball, soccer ball and softball/ handball)
RISK ASSESSMENT:
WHAT ARE THE RISKS WHEN DOING THIS HOW CAN YOU MANAGE THESE RISKS TO STAY
PRACTICAL? SAFE?
When the ball is being thrown by person Be alert when experiment is being conducted.
standing at point A to point B, it could hit the
receiver.
The ball could hit a bystander or break a Perform experiment in an open space and
window. keep bystanders well back.
METHODS:
1. Measured out 3 meters width and 4 meters in length, connected points from origin point
giving a resultant forming in the shape of the triangle.
2. Two persons are appointed to stand at either end, person 1 at point A and person 2 at
point B.
3. Person A tosses the ball to person B given at the start of the stopwatch.
4. This is repeated until all 3 trials for each ball was conducted.
RESULTS:
Distance = 5 meters (resultant length)
BALL USED TRIAL 1 TRIAL 2 TRIAL 3
Time Speed Time Speed Time Speed
Basketball 1.13s 4.42 ms-1 1.06s 4.72 ms-1 0.91s 5.49 ms-1
Soccer ball 1.07s 4.67 ms-1 1.0s 5 ms-1 1.06s 4.72 ms-1
Soft ball 1.53s 3.27 ms-1 1.28s 3.91 ms-1 1.31s 3.82 ms-1
ANALYSIS OF RESULTS:
1. Find the average speed of the ball for each sport. Include an estimate of the uncertainty in
each value.
BALL USED AVERAGE SPEED AVERAGE TIME UNCERTAINTY
Basketball 4.88 ms-1 1.03s ±0.49 ms-1
Soccer ball 4.80 ms-1 1.04s ±0.48 ms-1
Soft ball 3.67 ms-1 1.37s ±0.36 ms-1
-1 -1
2. Convert the results from ms to kmh .
BALL USED Trial 1 Speed (km/h) Trial 2 Speed (km/h) Trial 3 (km/h)
Basketball 4.42*3.6 = 15.91 4.72*3.6 = 16.99 5.49*3.6 = 19.76
Soccer ball 4.67*3.6 = 16.81 5.00*3.6 = 18.00 4.72*3.6 = 16.99
Soft ball 3.27*3.6 = 11.77 3.91*3.6 =14.08 3.82*3.6 = 13.75
DISCUSSION:
Discuss the difficulties encountered during this experiment and suggest ways in which the
data collection could be made to be more accurate.
Some difficulties encountered during the experiment include human error which is human
reaction time in stopping the time on the stop watch. Another would be the interference from
the wind during the experiment which likely altered the results, as it was a windy day that
day. Meaning that when thrown the wind could disrupt the intended path that the ball was to
take from point A to point B or vice versa.
Ways this experiment could be done more accurately would be using a motion censored
device that immediately takes the time it took for the ball it took to travel across up until the
time it is caught by person 2. This allows for a more accurate and viable record of the time
each ball took. As for the other difficulty named, the experiment could have ben done in an
enclosed open area or secluded area to avoid any challenges from the environment. Such
areas include indoor sporting halls such as indoor basketball hall.
With the listed methods above, the experiment results would therefore be more viable and
accurate.
CONCLUSION:
According to the aim set, my group and I have certainly been able to measure the time and
calculate the speed of the propelled object to our best accuracy, leading to spontaneous
results. And upon analysis of the results obtained it can be said that the results are firm.
Therefore, the experiment conducted has given me a more detailed understanding of the
module.
