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You carried out an experiment to measure g, the acceleration due to gravity - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 1 - 2013
Question 1
You carried out an experiment to measure g, the acceleration due to gravity. (i) Draw a labelled diagram of the apparatus you used. (ii) State the measurements you... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:You carried out an experiment to measure g, the acceleration due to gravity - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 1 - 2013
Step 1
Draw a labelled diagram of the apparatus you used.
Answer
The diagram should include the following elements:
- Pendulum bob: The object whose period is measured.
- String: The pendulum string, shown in the diagram with a labeled length.
- Timer: A stopwatch or timer to measure the period accurately.
- Fixed point: A support from which the pendulum is hung, labeled to show its importance in the setup.
Ensure all parts are clearly labeled, demonstrating the arrangement used to measure the acceleration due to gravity.
Step 2
State the measurements you took during the experiment.
Answer
The measurements taken during the experiment include:
- Length of the pendulum (L): Measured from the pivot point to the center of the pendulum bob.
- Time period (T): The time taken to complete a number of oscillations (preferably 10 or more) for accuracy, divided by the number of oscillations.
Step 3
Describe how you took these measurements.
Answer
To take these measurements:
- Length of pendulum: Use a ruler to measure the distance from the fixed point to the center of the pendulum bob, ensuring the string is straight and taut.
- Time period: Start the timer as the pendulum is released from a small angle (less than 15 degrees to minimize error due to amplitude) and stop it after counting a predetermined number of oscillations. Divide the total time by the number of oscillations to find the average time period.
Step 4
How did you calculate a value for g from your measurements?
Answer
To calculate the value of g:
- Substitute the period (T) and length (L) into the formula derived from pendulum motion:
- Rearranging gives:
- Use the measured values of L and T to compute g, ensuring to square T and multiply by the length L.
Step 5
Give one precaution that you took to get an accurate result.
Answer
One precaution taken was to ensure the pendulum bob was released without any initial push to avoid influencing the period. Also, it was ensured that measurements were taken in a straight line, avoiding any parallax error from the ruler.