What is the equation for calculating acceleration due to gravity?

In summary, the conversation discusses different ways to calculate the acceleration due to gravity in a lab experiment involving an air table and a puck attached to a weight. The two methods mentioned are using the kinetic energy of the puck and the potential energy loss of the weight, or considering the forces on both objects and applying Newton's 2nd law. The purpose of the lab is to measure "g", but the acceleration of the puck will not equal "g".
  • #1
paultt
2
0
im having trouble finding the equation for finding "g" calculating the acceleration due to gravity. I am doing a lab consisting of a air table and a puck attached to a weight, the weight falls pulling the puck horizontally across the air table.
 
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  • #2
well there are two ways. firstly if you find the kenetic energy of the puck as the weight moves a certain distance then equate that to the potential loss of the weight (mgh) you can find g. Or you could simply find the accel of the puck and that would equal accel due to gravity (assuming frictionless pully)
 
  • #3
Is the purpose of the lab to measure "g"? If so, consider the forces on both objects and apply Newton's 2nd law to each. You'll be able to solve for "g" in terms of the acceleration of the pucks, which I assume you are measuring. (The acceleration of the puck will not equal "g".)
 
  • #4
yeh sorry it wont, the force will however and you, as you said, use Newtons 2nd law. meant force, really i did :P
 

1. What is acceleration due to gravity?

Acceleration due to gravity is the rate at which an object increases its speed when falling towards the Earth. It is a constant value that is approximately 9.8 meters per second squared (m/s^2).

2. How is acceleration due to gravity calculated?

Acceleration due to gravity is calculated using the equation a = g, where a is the acceleration and g is the gravitational acceleration constant, which is 9.8 m/s^2 on Earth.

3. Does acceleration due to gravity change with altitude?

Yes, acceleration due to gravity does change with altitude. As an object moves further away from the Earth's surface, the force of gravity decreases, resulting in a decrease in acceleration due to gravity.

4. How does mass affect acceleration due to gravity?

Mass does not directly affect acceleration due to gravity. The rate of acceleration due to gravity is constant for all objects, regardless of their mass. However, a greater mass may require more force to be applied to accelerate it at the same rate as a smaller mass.

5. What factors can affect acceleration due to gravity?

The two main factors that can affect acceleration due to gravity are the mass of the objects involved and the distance between them. Additionally, the strength of the gravitational force can also be affected by the presence of other large objects or the shape of the Earth's surface.

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