Finding the Acceleration of Gravity from these Dropped Ball Experiments

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics lab experiment where participants are tasked with determining the acceleration due to gravity (g) from data collected by dropping a ball and analyzing graphs of height versus time and height versus time squared.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various methods for calculating g, including using the slope of graphs derived from their experiment. Some express confusion about how to interpret the slopes of the graphs, particularly the height versus time squared graph, in relation to g.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the relationships between the graphs and the calculations needed to find g. Some participants have provided insights into the expected form of the equations and the implications of the graph slopes, while others are still seeking clarity on the concepts involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the requirements of their homework, which includes specific graphing formats and the interpretation of initial conditions in their equations. There is a noted confusion regarding the relationship between height and time in the context of their measurements.

Bobb
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Homework Statement
Basically we did a lab where we dropped a ball and recorded the times then we created 3 graphs. Height vs t, height vs t^2. and sqrt of height vs. t. Where I'm confused is they want us to two 2 values of g from the slopes of the height vs t^2. and sqrt of height vs. t graphs. I thought the slope for height vs t^2 was already acceleration how would we find g from these?
Relevant Equations
X = Xo +Vot + 1/2at^2

0 = Yo + 0 -1/2gt^2
Did not know where to start so I tried A= v/t to find velocity then plug into equation to find g, but i got a huge g.
 
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Bobb said:
Homework Statement: Basically we did a lab where we dropped a ball and recorded the times then we created 3 graphs. Height vs t, height vs t^2. and sqrt of height vs. t. Where I'm confused is they want us to two 2 values of g from the slopes of the height vs t^2. and sqrt of height vs. t graphs. I thought the slope for height vs t^2 was already acceleration how would we find g from these?
Homework Equations: X = Xo +volt + 1/2at^2

0 = Yo + 0 -1/2gt^2

Did not know where to start so I tried A= v/t to find velocity then plug into equation to find g, but i got a huge g.
Let’s see your graph of height vs t^2
 
Second one, teacher wanted it to be in y= mx+b form
 

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Bobb said:
Second one, teacher wanted it to be in y= mx+b form
How can the height be increasing with time?
 
Chestermiller said:
How can the height be increasing with time?
If you drop something from higher up it takes longer to get to the ground.

Bobb said:
0 = Yo + 0 -1/2gt^2

So what does this tell you about Yo as a function of t^2? If you let t^2 = s, you are asked to find g by computing the slope of the function Yo(s).
 
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Orodruin said:
If you drop something from higher up it takes longer to get to the ground.
Ah. I was confused. I though he was measuring the distance fallen in a single drop as a function of time.
 

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