EXP #4 PHYSICAL SCIENCE LABORATORY REPORT 1

Abstract

The research conducted in this lab involved the study of free-fall acceleration. Utilizing two balls

of different masses and a ramp situated a specific angle, the observer measures the acceleration

of each ball over two different distances. The results show that the acceleration of Ball X, the

heavier ball, is 2.1143 m/sec2 over a distance of 2 meters and is 1.8473 m/sec

2 over a distance of

1 meter. Ball Y, the lighter ball, accelerated at a rate of 2.2001 m/sec2 over a distance of 2 meters

and 1.1079 m/sec2 over a distance of 1 meter.

Introduction

This lab allows the observer to understand the importance of clearly defining acceleration in

order to measure how rapidly change in velocity is taking place. While learning this, the observer

develops a greater understanding of natural phenomenon regarding objects motion. Within the

lab, the observer focuses on determining the acceleration of two balls using a ramp, scotch tape,

two meter sticks, and two photo gates. The photo gates help the observer obtain the time, t, it

takes for each ball to travel distance d. After conducting three trials and finding the average time

t1x for ball x, acceleration is calculated using the formula a =

, where a is acceleration, d is the

chosen distance, and t is the average time. The calculated averages are then graphed on four

graphs in order to present a visual representation of the experimental data.

Conclusion

The results show that the acceleration of Ball X, the heavier ball, is 2.1143 m/sec2 over a

distance of 2 meters and is 1.8473 m/sec2 over a distance of 1 meter. Ball Y, the lighter ball,

accelerated at a rate of 2.2001 m/sec2 over a distance of 2 meters and 1.1079 m/sec

2 over a

EXP #4 PHYSICAL SCIENCE LABORATORY REPORT 2

distance of 1 meter. These calculated accelerations were obtained from an average of groups 1, 3,

5, and 6 acceleration measurements. The results are as accurate as possible, as the exact

placement of the photo gates could be influenced by human error and the possibility of an

inconsistency on the ramp affecting the path of the ball. Measuring the acceleration over the

shorter distance of 1 meter ensured that less interference could occur and disrupt the

measurements.