Calculating Average Acceleration

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating average acceleration using a set of data points, including a value of zero. Participants are exploring whether to include this zero value in their calculations, particularly in the context of measuring gravitational acceleration in a lab setting.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster questions whether to include the zero value in their average acceleration calculation. Some participants suggest that zero should be included as it is a valid data point, while others raise concerns about its relevance in specific contexts, such as when measuring gravitational acceleration.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the question of including zero in their calculations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the implications of including or excluding zero based on the context of the measurements. The discussion reflects a mix of interpretations and considerations without reaching a definitive consensus.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the initial conditions of the experiment, where the object was held before being dropped, which may influence the decision on whether to include the zero value in the calculations. Additionally, the accuracy of the average acceleration in relation to the true value of gravitational acceleration is being considered.

rachelle
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Hi, this may seem like a silly question, but I'm gunna ask it anyway...

I have the ff. data for acceleration:

0  
9.152
8.43
9.07
7.731
10.423

When I calculate the average acceleration, would it be the sum divided by 6 or would it be the sum divided by 5? That is, should I include the "0" in calculating my average?

Thanks in advance~
 
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rachelle said:
... That is, should I include the "0" in calculating my average?

Since 0 is a value as any other one, you must include it.
 
Thanks!

~rachelle
 
Hmm.. sorry, follow-up question...

What if I'm calculating my average acceleration for gravity, do I need to include the "0" then?

It's just that when I didn't include the "0" on my calculations, it was nearer the true value of "g" (9.81)
But when I included zero in calculating my average, it was a little far off...

ps: I'm doing my lab on calculating "g" free-falling object
 
rachelle said:
Hmm.. sorry, follow-up question...

What if I'm calculating my average acceleration for gravity, do I need to include the "0" then?

It's just that when I didn't include the "0" on my calculations, it was nearer the true value of "g" (9.81)
But when I included zero in calculating my average, it was a little far off...

ps: I'm doing my lab on calculating "g" free-falling object

Hm, in that case, if 0 is the value that was attained while the object was being held (which is obvious), then you shouldn't include it. (Unless I'm missing something.)
 
Oh sorry, I guess you are right! Actually, the Time column shows "0" but the Acceleration column shows blank (so was the Velocity & Distance columns for the first row). I just assumed initial Acceleration will be 0 and include it on calculating the average acceleration, when in fact like you said it shouldn't be included because the object was being held initially, before I dropped it.

Gah.. I feel stupid! Thanks for your help :)
 

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