Experiment 1 Measurement and Free Fall Jacquelyn Fernandez Lab Partners: Nina K. Constantinos D.

Mike June 19, 2011 Physics 131 703 Tootelian

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Measurement and Free Fall* Purpose In this experiment, we will measure and calculate the density of the metal ball and compare it to the table Densities of Substances (Giancoli, 256) to determine what substance the ball is. We will also record free-fall times for the metal ball to plot Displacement vs Time graphs and determine the value of acceleration due to gravity. Procedure In this experiment, we measured the diameter and mass of the metal ball to find its density and substance. The metal ball measured 1.58cm in diameter and its radius was 0.79cm (r = D/2: r = 1.58/2); the mass of the metal ball was 16g. The equation to find density is p= m/V ( mass divided by volume); to find the volume of the metal ball, we used the equation V = 4/3r3. The calculated volume was then plugged into the density equation (see calculations below). After we calculated the density, we compared the density to the Table 10-1 Densities of Substances (Giancoli, 256) to determine what substance the metal ball was. The metal ball After we determined the substance, we set up the Free-Fall Apparatus as demonstrated by the teacher. Using the Free-Fall Apparatus, we measured the time (seconds) it took for the metal ball to fall at certain displacements: 0.40m, 0.60m, 0.80m and 1.00m. We did four trials for each displacement and recorded the measured times on a data table (see Table 1). Using the four trials for each displacement, we recorded the average displacement as well as the average time. Using the calculated average displacements and average times, we plotted the averages on a graph: Displacement vs. Time (see Graphs 1 and 2). To find the closest curve fit, two graphs were made, a Quadratic fit (Graph 1) and a Linear fit (Graph 2). From the data and the graphs, we determined whether or not acceleration depended on the mass of the metal ball and the value of acceleration due to gravity. Data and Calculations Measurements of Metal Ball: Diameter 1.58cm Radius 0.79cm Mass 16.0g Volume = 4/3r3 V = 4/3(0.79cm)3 V = 4/3(0.493cm) V = 2.065 2.1 Density = m/V D = 16/2.1 D = 7.6 g/cm3

Table 1. Recorded times (seconds) for each displacement. Displacement (meters) Time (seconds) 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.22 Average Time: 0.23s 0.36 0.36 0.35 0.36 Average Time: 0.36s 0.41

0.40m
Average Displacement: 0.40m

0.60m
Average Displacement: 0.60m

0.80m
0.42 0.41 0.40 Average Time: 0.41s 0.45

Average Displacement: 0.80m

1.00m
0.45 0.45 0.44 Average Time: 0.45s

Average Displacement: 1.00m

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Graph 1. Displacement vs Time (Quadratic Fit)

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Graph 2. Displacement vs Time (Linear Fit) Analysis and Conclusions The resulting g values was 10.9 m/s2 (constant g= 9.8 m/s2). The g value was not that

close to the constant, resulting in a 11.2% percent error. This experiment was conducted to determine the value of acceleration due to gravity by plotting the data on a linear and quadratic graph.

Questions and further procedures 1. What is the greatest source of error in performing the experiment? Is this error random or systematic? Explain. The greatest source of error resulted in systematic errors. The clamp that held the metal ball and the timer in the Free-Fall Apparatus was unreliable because the clamp would cause the timer to begin before the metal ball fell. The timer itself was also unreliable because at times, the timer would not measure the metal ball in free-fall when the ball was released from the clamp and would not recognize the metal ball. This resulted in different/inaccurate times as well as resulting in smaller g values. 2. Can you think of another way to determine your experimental value for the acceleration due to gravity besides plotting your data? Do the appropriate calculations and give your answer for g in the form. Another way to determine experimental value for acceleration due to gravity is to plot the graph Velocity vs. Time. Calculations are same for linear.

3. At this point you should have calculated g in three different ways. Which technique do you think is best? Do all three techniques give the same answer? If not, which technique do you think has the most error? I think plotting Displacement vs Time with a Linear Fit and using equation 2-11b (Giancoli, 27) is the best technique because you find the values from your data and can easily plug it into the equation to get the value of g. 4. How might you modify your procedures to determine whether or not g depends on the mass of the falling object? I would use at least two different metal balls that weigh differently to be able to compare the data and resulting g values. I would also use a different Free-Fall
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Apparatus one that is more reliable to use.