AQA GCSE FOUNDATION Physics: Measuring Acceleration Due to Gravity

Measuring Acceleration Due to Gravity

This tutorial will guide you through a simple experiment to determine the acceleration due to gravity using a free-falling object.

Materials:

• A ball or other object with a reasonably consistent shape and mass
• A measuring tape or ruler
• A stopwatch

Procedure:

1. Choose a safe and clear drop zone. Ensure there are no obstacles or people in the area where the object will fall.
2. Measure the height (s) from which the object will be dropped. This should be a significant height, ideally a few meters, to ensure accurate timing.
3. Hold the object at the measured height and start the stopwatch simultaneously.
4. Release the object and let it fall freely.
5. Stop the stopwatch when the object hits the ground. Record the time taken (t).
6. Repeat steps 3-5 at least three times to ensure accurate results. Record all the time values.

Calculation:

1. Calculate the average time (t) for the object to fall. Add up all the recorded times and divide by the number of trials.
2. Use the following equation to calculate the acceleration due to gravity (a):

a = 2s / t^2

• s is the height from which the object was dropped (in meters)
• t is the average time it took for the object to fall (in seconds)

Analysis:

• Compare your calculated value of acceleration due to gravity (a) to the standard value of 9.81 m/s².
• Discuss any discrepancies between your results and the standard value. Consider factors that might have influenced the accuracy of your measurements, such as air resistance, variations in the object's initial position, or inaccuracies in the stopwatch.

Conclusion:

This experiment demonstrates the concept of free fall and uniform acceleration due to gravity. By measuring the time taken for an object to fall from a known height, you can calculate the acceleration due to gravity and compare it to the accepted standard value. The experiment highlights the importance of accurate measurement and the influence of external factors on experimental results.