SYNDICATE

Analysis:

Our horizontal displacement, angle, and components to calculate vertical displacement was provided. The spring's mass could have been measured. Thus, by using the equation we derived, we determined our 'x' value to be 3 cm, or 0.03m. Initially, however, we were getting a value close to 0.6 m or 60 cm. This is because we were using the wrong spring constant. However, when doing the actual launch, we messed up, what we thought was 3 cm, was actually, around 4.5; therefore, we missed the bucket. However, after pulling the spring back, 3 cm, our spring launched a lot closer to the actual target. 

This lab was highly dependent on instrumental accuracy. That is to say, that in this lab, the lack of precise instruments could have caused various errors. First, in order to measure the angle at which to place the ramp, a small protractor was used. This could have caused various errors because the 'x' value was dependent on the angle at which the spring was launched. Furthermore, in order to measure the horizontal and vertical displacement, a meter stick was used. A meter stick is not so precise and since we were dealing with a task that required extreme accuracy, we needed to have precise measurements; therefore, the slightest measuring error could have made the largest difference. Finally, the initial launch was a choke. During the initial launch, an idiot moment took place. Two marks were made on the ramp, 1st where there was absolutely no chance of hitting the target, and second, was the 3.3 cm line which started from the edge of the spring. During the choke, the spring was pulled back to the spot where there was absolutely no chance of hitting the target, We succumbed to the pressure; however, we re-did the shot and got a much better result. 

Discussion:

At first, we thought the equation we derived was incorrect; however, we were wrong because the main reason for our flop initial launch was the 'choke' moment. After trying again, without choking, the spring was much closer to its target which in turn, led us to believe that the equation we derived was correct. As a result, we were able to determine the equation between, the angle of launch, projectile motion, and conservation of energy.  First, we re-inforced the idea that the larger and stronger a spring, the greater its spring constant will be. In addition, we learned that elastic energy is converted into kinetic energy and with kinetic energy, objects have the ability to stay in motion; similarly, the spring lost elastic energy, gained kinetic energy, and as a result, it followed the path of a projectile, projectile motion. We realized that this concept could further help us combat future weapons young, rowdy Bucktown children can lay their hands on, namely, slingshots. Slingshots also use elastic energy and kinetic energy, in addition to projectile motion in order to launch an object. 

Although, we were low-budget, Woodz Co. most likely used better equipment, such as scanners and online angle determining applications in order to verify our findings through this experiment. Furthermore, Woodz Co. would most likely get an expert physics wood worker to make the ramp because that way, they would not have to encounter problems that we did working with low-budget materials.

Reflections

Parth:        Project Manager 

Parmveer: Project Documenter 
                 Project Webmaster

Jasmit:    Project Facilitator
               Project Timekeeper

Gurjot:     Pictures

                Project Timekeeper

Group:

Although this was projected to be a difficult task, simple manipulation of equations would prove otherwise. However, this task also required some skill, spring launching skill. Although initially, our group struggled with the spring launching skills, we were able to will our way out of the slump and learn how to explosively launch a spring. Furthermore, budget was not a problem, using left-over wood from SRK's Catapult project, and hinges that were previously used on a child-safety door, we were able to create a decently working ramp. However, we used the bad wood to make this ramp. This could have been a problem because the bad wood was extremely weak, so weak that it was possible to break it just by bending it (if you were strong like the Syndicate); however, it did not break and as a result, it worked well in launching the spring. In conclusion, everyone worked well, and as a result, we were able to help Woodz Co in disciplining the rowdy, hoodlum kids roaming around in the parks of Bucktown. We were also prepared to help stop these kids even when they started using slingshots, because we are defenders of Bucktown and we are the Syndicate, an organization dedicated to making Bucktown a place where all can thrive and live through love.

Jasmit: 

I enjoy working as the timekeeper, initially, I did not think that I could pull it off; however, after various roles as timekeeper, I feel that it is a relatively easy role. In addition, I was also the facilitator for this project, since I was the facilitator, I kept the group calm. For example, when we were first getting the 'x' value as 60 cm, I immediately discovered that something was wrong. I knew that the measurements could not have been wrong because 60 cm was way too large of a value, so bad measurements were not at fault; therefore, I suggested that the 'k' value was incorrect. After looking at our graph again, I realized that the x and y axes were switched, what should have been on the x was on y and vice versa. In conclusion, I felt humble helping Woodz Co. I felt like quite the difference maker after disciplining the little Bucktown children and inspiring them to create a fun society. Where launching springs and hitting people with slingshots without consent is morally wrong. It would be a lot better if the kids were to pick up a ball or even some shoes, and wrestle or play ball.

Parmveer: 

For this task I was away both of the days. But this didn't bring me down. Jasmit provided me with data and helped me understand the task. With Jasmits help I understood the task and to help him back I helped him the calculation.