In this lab you will project a body along a smooth horizontal surface with an elastic cord. Due to friction the body will come to rest after travelling some distance. There are a number of factors that influence how far the body will go. Your task is to investigate the relationship between these factors and the distance travelled.

Identify all the relevant variables and decide which of these you are going to investigate. Using conservation of energy hypothesise a quantitative relationship between the distance travelled and each of the variables you wish to investigate. Design an experiment which allows you to collect enough data to test your hypothesis. For each variable plot a suitable graph so that the observed data can be quantitatively analysed and compared with your hypothesis. Finally, make an evaluation of your results and your experimental procedure and comment on how successfully you were at predicting the behaviour of the projected body. Indicate any areas where you could improve your results.

Note: If you are careful you should be able to use your graphs to determine the coefficient of kinetic friction between the body and the horizontal surface. Think about what additional measurements you might need to make in order to do this.

If the surface along which the body is projected is not horizontal the distance travelled will change and the relationships between distance travelled and the other variables could be different. Find a quantitative relationship between the projected distance and angle of elevation and attempt to verify it experimentally.