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Free Fall - Timing Lab 2

1) The document describes an experiment to verify the kinematic equation ΔX = V0t + 0.5at^2 for free fall motion using a ruler and ball. 2) A ball was dropped from rest at 1m height seven times and the time of each drop was recorded from a video to calculate the average time. 3) The theoretical time calculated using the equation was 0.452s which was close to the average measured time of 0.501s, though the percent error of 10.8% was too high for accuracy. 4) Sources of error in the measurements of height, time, and ball position were identified which contributed to the inaccuracy, but the standard deviation and uncertainty

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12 views

Free Fall - Timing Lab 2

1) The document describes an experiment to verify the kinematic equation ΔX = V0t + 0.5at^2 for free fall motion using a ruler and ball. 2) A ball was dropped from rest at 1m height seven times and the time of each drop was recorded from a video to calculate the average time. 3) The theoretical time calculated using the equation was 0.452s which was close to the average measured time of 0.501s, though the percent error of 10.8% was too high for accuracy. 4) Sources of error in the measurements of height, time, and ball position were identified which contributed to the inaccuracy, but the standard deviation and uncertainty

Uploaded by

paigecowens
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Free fall/Timing Lab

Theoretical Background:
The equation ∆X = V0t + 0.5at^2 is one of the most used kinematic equations. It
can be derived using calculus. Since a = dV/dt, a*dt = dV. Take the integral of both
sides, a∫dt = ∫dV, and it results in at = Vf - Vi. Since V = dX/dt, V*dt = dX. Integrate
both sides, ∫Vdt = ∫dx. Replace V with at + Vi, then ∫(at + Vi)dt = ∫dx. This equation
can be simplified to at^2 + Vi*t = Xf – Xi = ∆X.
Purpose:
The objective of this lab is to prove ∆X = V0t + 0.5at^2. For free fall motion, Vi
= 0m/s, therefore H = at^2 (H = ∆X). The equation can be rewritten as t = √(2H/g),
which will be verified in this lab. The height (H) and time (t) need to be recorded, and
g = 9.8m/s^2.
Procedure:
Stand a meter-long ruler vertically on the ground and place a ball on the highest
end of the ruler (watch to make sure the bottom of the ball is at the same level as the
top of the ruler). Drop the ball from rest to the ground and repeat seven times. Record
the whole process as a video. Collect data of time from pulling the video progress bar
to see the duration of each drop.
Data:
Test 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Height (m) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Time (s) 0.51 0.44 0.45 0.54 0.57 0.51 0.49
Calculations and Analysis:
The average time of drop is 0.501s as a measurement. Height is always 1m and g
= 9.8m/s^2. With these numbers, t = √(2H/g) = √(2*1m/9.8m/s^2) = 0.452s which is
the theoretical value of time of a 1m free fall. To calculate the percent error (or
percent accuracy), %error = |theory – measurement|/theory *100% = |0.452s –
0.501s|/0.452s *100% = 10.8%. The measurements cannot be considered accurate
since the percent error is too high. Possible errors occur in the experiments could be
error in ruler length, error of time recorded, and that the bottom of the ball is not
exactly at the same level as the top of the ruler. The ruler wears to a certain extent
after multiple uses, so the height measurements have errors of ±0.01m. There is not a
frame in the video that demonstrates the exact moment when the ball starts to drop or
reaches the ground, thus time measurements have errors of ±0.01s. A person holds the
ball and try to keep the bottom of it at the same level as the top of the ruler. However,
this is difficult to be done perfectly, so the ball is within ±0.01 meters of the optimal
position. According to Alcula Standard Deviation Calculator, the standard deviation
(σ) or precision is 0.04290473547909. Additionally, uncertainty = (max – min)/2 =
(0.57s – 0.44s)/2 = 0.065s. Overall, the percent accuracy is a little higher than
expected, but the values of standard deviation and uncertainty are acceptable.
Conclusion:
To summarize, the theoretical value and experimental value are close, and the
precision and accuracy of measurements are within respectable range. Therefore, the
kinematic equation ∆X = V0t + 0.5at^2 is correctly established.

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