Parabolic path of water. Classes Used: PHYS 101

projectile motion Updated on: 06/13/13

To show different parabola paths of water in projectile motion and as an exercise in predicting range in projectiles.

Metal cylinder, adhesive tape, rubber tubing from tap

The metal cylinder has holes bored at a spacing such that when the cylinder is completely full to a height 4H then water is ejected at heights H, 2H and 3H Cover the three holes temporarily with tape and fill the cylinder with water. Have a water hose from the tap ready to maintain the cylinder full of water and then uncover the holes. The initial velocity of projection will decrease as we consider the exit holes from the bottom up but the range of the jets of water tend to be about the same although the top hole in the demonstration generally gives the shortest range.