Physics experiments Perform an investigation and gather information to determine a value for acceleration due to gravity using pendulum

motion or computer-assisted technology and identify reason for possible variations from the value 9.8 ms-2. Aim: to perform a firsthand investigation using simple pendulum to find a value for acceleration due to gravity. Equipment: Rod Boss head and clamp Retort stand String Protractor Mass bob Calculator 1m ruler Timer Method: 1. Set up the equipment as on the right. 2. Measure how long the string to the centre of the mass bob is. 3. Move the mass so that the string makes an angle of about 5 with the vertical. Release the bob. 4. Use a stop watch to record the time for 10 complete oscillations. (swings) 5. Change the length of the string to 0.8 m, and then repeat step 3. 6. Repeat step 4, changing the length of the string to 0.6 m and then to 0.4 m. 7. Use appropriate formulae to find the period of the pendulum and the value of g. = Results: Length of the string (e) (m) 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 TEST 1 Time for 10 oscillations (S) 20.1 18.7 15.7 12.9 Period (T ) (S) 2.01 1.87 2.465 1.66 T^2 4.04 3.49

1.57 1.27

Analysis: Gravity = 9.52 Discussion: Why was 10 oscillations used to find the period? To improve accuracy, if a small amount of oscillations were used, the timing of the experiment would be very hard due to the human reaction. If too many swings were used, there would be more chances of error and the constant swing would have been lost. What were the main sources of experimental error? Human error, the lining of the protractor. The human reaction could have been anywhere between 1s and 0 seconds. This delay would have affected the calculations. The lining of the protractor could not have been 100% accurate due to the perspective and the tendency for the arm to move. How could the accuracy of the experiment by improved? To improve accuracy, more accurate instruments such as using computer data logging instead of a stop watch. An automated dropper would have been more accurate as there is considerably less reaction time. Air currents and the shape of the bob affected it. If a more streamlined bob was used, the result would be closer. Assess the validity of the experiment by commenting on the way in which any other variables were accounted for. The validity of the experiment was very high. Variables such as the length of string, mass bob, acceleration and air resistance

Physics experiments were kept the same. Throughout the experiment, the windows and doors were closed or open. Also, the angle that the bob was released was kept constant. 4.5 Conclusion The value for acceleration was found to be 9.57 m/s. The real value for acceleration is 9.8m/s. y = 4.1468x

4
3.5 3 2.5

T2

Series1 Linear (Series1)

2
1.5 1 0.5

0
0 0.5 Length 1 1.5

Perform a first-hand investigation, gather information and analyse data to calculate initial and final velocity, maximum height reached, range and time of flight of a projectile for a range of situations by using simulations, data loggers and computer analysis. Equipment Marble Bench Ruler Method 1. The ruler is to be set up as shown in the diagram. The marble should be held at the upper end of the ruler and then released. It will roll down onto the ruler, bench and lastly over the edge. 2. Measure the height of the upper end of the ruler above the bench and record this. 3. Now use trigonometry to calculate the angle the y ruler is making with the bench. 4. The component of the acceleration due to gravity directed down can now be calculated. aslope = g sin 5. Now calculate the acceleration of the marble down the ruler. V= u+at .This will become the x initial horizontal velocity. 6. Measure the height of the bench and calculate the time needed for the marble to fall on the floor. 7. Determine the range using the trip time and horizontal motion.

Perform an investigation to help distinguish between non-inertial and inertial frames of reference A mass connected to a string will only hang directly down in an inertial (or non-accelerated) frame of reference; it will hang in other directions in non-inertial (or accelerated) frames of reference. On the train, if the train is moving constantly, the bob will stay in the same spot. If it accelerates then the mass or bob will tilt or move back and forth.