- Use the kinematic equation, df = ½ at2,to calculate the acceleration of each object in Table 1. Record thecalculated acceleration in Table 1.
2. Â Â Â Show a sample calculation:
Table 1: Average Free Fall Time for VariousObjects |
Drop
Height (m) | Object | Average Free Fall
Time (s) | Calculated
Acceleration (m/s2) |
0.865 ± 0.001 | Coffee filter | 0.625 | |
Cork | 0.435 | |
Marble | 0.424 | |
Wooden Block | 0.421 | |
3. Answer all of the Post-Lab Questions (Note: Information tohelp with these questions may be available in the Gravity LabIntroduction)
- How does the rate of acceleration you calculated for eachobject compare? Are they similar or different? Why?
- The acceleration due to gravity calculated this way works wellfor objects near the Earth’s surface. How would you have to changethe equation if the object was 100,000 meters above theground?
- How does air resistance alter the way we perceive fallingobjects?
- Is the force acting on a massive object larger than that actingon a less massive one? How can you verify this without taking anymeasurements?
