Finding Acceleration Using x=1/2 at2+v0t+x0 Equation | Homework Help

[GodAllen]

Homework Statement

Is this equation any good for finding a

x=1/2 at²⁺v₀t +x₀
Given that v₀t=0 and x₀=0

I am trying to find the acceleration give that I dropped an eye dropper at 20cm and the average time was 0.116sec

Homework Equations

I have isolated it to a, where it is A= 2x over t²

The Attempt at a Solution

I have calculated it to be 2972cm/s², then i divided it by 100 to get 29.72m/s². Isnt the standard 9.8m/s². I have also timed other objects and it seems they are all different.

 

[Chi Meson]

Your math is OK, it's your time that was faulty.

Are you sure the starting height was 20 cm? That's 8 inches right? Your time corresponds to something that was dropped from 6 cm or 3 inches.

What did you use to time the event? If it involved any form of human starting or stopping of the timer, that throws a +/- of 0.2 seconds into anything.

 

[snshusat161]

you won't be able to find acceleration from the given data (I think). The acceleration will be 9.8 m/s/s.

 

[snshusat161]

1.72 is the av. velocity and initial velocity = 0 therefore final velocity = 3.45 m/s

acc = (3.45- 0)/0.116

but it is wrong, I guess

 

[rwisz]

I would like to clarify that the equation x=1/2 at2+v0t+x0 is a valid equation for finding acceleration, as long as the initial velocity (v0) and initial position (x0) are known. However, it is important to note that this equation assumes constant acceleration, which may not always be the case in real-world scenarios.

In order to accurately calculate the acceleration of an object, we need to have precise measurements of time and position. In this case, it seems that you have measured the average time and initial position, but it would be helpful to have more information about the experiment and the measurements taken.

Additionally, the value of acceleration can vary depending on the circumstances and the objects involved. The standard value of 9.8m/s2 is the acceleration due to gravity on Earth, but this may not be the same for other objects or in different environments.

I would recommend double-checking your calculations and measurements, and also considering factors such as air resistance and the shape/size of the objects being dropped. It may also be helpful to conduct multiple trials and take an average to get a more accurate value for the acceleration.