How can I determine the acceleration due to gravity using simple measurements?

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    Acceleration Gravity
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the acceleration due to gravity through simple measurements and experiments. Participants explore methods to gather data and present findings, focusing on practical approaches that involve basic calculations and observations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks assistance in proving a statement related to the acceleration due to gravity, emphasizing the need for simplicity and ease of measurement.
  • Another participant provides a theoretical framework involving gravitational force and Newton's law, suggesting the use of these relationships to derive an expression for acceleration due to gravity.
  • A later reply clarifies the specific requirements of the task, including the need for a labeled diagram, sample calculations, and identification of variables in the experiment.
  • The proposed experiment involves dropping a small ball from a height of 2 meters and timing the fall to calculate the acceleration due to gravity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus, as the discussion includes various approaches and interpretations of the task requirements. Some focus on theoretical aspects, while others emphasize practical experimentation.

Contextual Notes

The initial question lacks clarity, and there are unresolved aspects regarding the specific formula or method to be used for calculating acceleration due to gravity based on the proposed experiment.

mattmate
I need to prove the folowing statement. Can someone please help me as i am having trouble working out the formula needed to determine a value for acceleration. (This has to be proved as simply as possible, using things easily measured, ie Mass, time etc...

Please help as soon as possible,
Thanx
matt
 
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Gravitational force is given by


[tex]F= \frac {GM_em} {r^2}[/tex]

Where
[tex]M_e=[/tex] the mass of the earth
[tex]m=[/tex] the mass of some object
[tex]r=[/tex] radius of the earth
[tex]G=[/tex] The Gravitational constant.


Newtons law

[tex]F= ma[/tex]

Use these two relationships to get an expression for the acceleration due to gravity.

I am guessing that this is what you are asking for. Your question statement leaves a lot to be desired. It simply is not clear what you are asking.
 
Last edited:
in Reply

The question i need to answer is:
"Gather infomation using a wide variety of sources and carry out a simple first hand investigation to determine a value for acceleration due to gravity. Present this by:
1)Including labeled diagram
2)Showing a sample of simple calculations used
3)Identifying independent, independent and constant variables"

The experiment i chose to perform is to drop a small ball froma height of 2meters. I time this, and then i was hoping to be able to answer the above question via this experiment

Thanx
Matt
 

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