Photo AI
An experiment was set up to measure g, the acceleration due to gravity - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 1 - 2017
Question 1
An experiment was set up to measure g, the acceleration due to gravity. (i) Draw a labelled diagram of the apparatus used in this experiment. (ii) What measurements ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:An experiment was set up to measure g, the acceleration due to gravity - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 1 - 2017
Step 1
Draw a labelled diagram of the apparatus used in this experiment.
Answer
To draw a labelled diagram of the apparatus used to measure the acceleration due to gravity (g), the key components should be represented:
- Falling Object/Ball: Clearly illustrate the object that falls during the experiment.
- Pendulum Bob: If a pendulum is used, label the bob.
- Picket Fence: Indicate the picket fence that will be used to measure the time of fall.
- Timer: Show a stopwatch or digital timer that records the time taken for the object to fall.
- Detailing: Include any fixed-point references or calculation mechanisms, such as a calculator or computer for data analysis.
Ensure that each component is clear and labelled thoughtfully.
Step 2
What measurements were taken to calculate g? How were these measurements taken?
Answer
In the experiment to calculate g:
-
Distance Measurement: The distance (d) that the object falls should be measured. This could be the length of the pendulum or the vertical distance of a free fall.
- How Taken: The distance can be measured using a meter stick or a ruler, ensuring accuracy by starting from a fixed point.
-
Time Measurement: The time (t) taken for the fall needs to be recorded.
- How Taken: The time is captured using a stopwatch which starts when the object is released and stops when it reaches the bottom. It’s important to have a consistent timing strategy, possibly using a light gate setup to detect the start and end.
Step 3
How were these measurements used to calculate g?
Answer
The measurements taken are used in the formula for calculating g:
We start with the formula: g = rac{2d}{t^2}
Where:
- d is the distance fallen.
- t is the time taken.
- Substituting Values: Substitute the measured values of distance and time into the formula.
- Calculation: Perform the calculations to solve for g. If there are errors in the measurements (e.g. timing errors), this will affect the value of g calculated.
Step 4
State two precautions which the student might have taken to get an accurate result.
Answer
To ensure accurate results during the experiment, the student might take the following precautions:
- Avoid Parallax Error: When measuring the distance or time, the student should ensure their eye level is aligned with the measurement scale to avoid parallax error.
- Use of Smallest Value Recording: To improve accuracy in timing, the student might use a digital timer, which is less likely to have human reaction time errors, and ensure that only the shortest measurement is recorded for timing.