Jacobie wanted to test the projectile motion of a pumpkin. His hypothesis was "if the pumpkin had a larger mass, then the higher he could throw it, because the larder pumpkins would have more force." He bought three orange pumpkins and test them all on the same day. His results are:
5kg=10meters
10kg=5 meters
15kg=1 meter
How could his experimental design be improved and what are the variables?
Jacobie's experimental design could be improved by controlling some variables and making the experiment more systematic. Here are some suggestions for improvement:
1. Control the force applied: Jacobie should consider using a consistent force to throw the pumpkins. By using a mechanical device or a consistent throwing technique, he can ensure that the force applied remains the same for each throw.
2. Control the angle of projection: The angle at which the pumpkin is thrown can affect its trajectory. By using a consistent angle for each throw, Jacobie can eliminate this variable and focus solely on the effect of mass.
3. Increase the number of trials: Jacobie should repeat the experiment multiple times for each pumpkin to obtain a more reliable and accurate average distance. This will help account for any variations or outliers in the results.
4. Use a larger sample size: Testing only three pumpkins might not provide a representative range of masses. To improve the reliability of the results, Jacobie should consider testing a larger number of pumpkins with different masses.
5. Use a measuring instrument: To measure the distance accurately, Jacobie should use a measuring tape or a measuring device with more precision. This will help reduce measurement errors.
Variables in the experiment could include:
- Independent variable: The mass of the pumpkins.
- Dependent variable: The distance the pumpkin travels.
- Controlled variables: Force applied, angle of projection, method of throwing, environmental conditions (e.g., wind), and measuring instrument.