How Accurate Are These Physics Experiment Measurements?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on measuring key physics parameters, including displacement, height of the block, distance between supports, time, and the value for gravitational acceleration (g). The participants emphasize the importance of determining average values and associated uncertainties for each measurement, particularly noting how to calculate displacement based on the drop from the 10 cm to the 160 cm mark. There is a mention of using a ruler and timing the fall, which introduces uncertainty in the measurements. The need for clarity on how to estimate these uncertainties is highlighted, especially regarding the use of a stopwatch. Overall, the conversation seeks assistance in accurately measuring and reporting these physics experiment values.
rjbrivera
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On separate lines list
each measurement name, average value ±uncertainty (readability or reason for uncertainty)
EXAMPLE:
Displacement, 0.100 - 1.600 meters ± 0.005 meters (σ precision for start and final position reading.)
Consider Displacement a measurement instead of startP and finalP.

Here are the things you should list and give the details mentioned above:
Displacement
Height of block
Distance b/w supports
Time
Your value for g*

I'm having problems because it is complicated. I aware of the equation for the very top, but I don't have any clue how to find those four things. Assistance would be appreciated. I have tried the velocity formula, but still can't solve.
 
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Are you dropping a block out of rest next to a ruler and timing its fall between two points on the ruler?
 
Yes, that was done.
 
It seems you dropped it from the 10 cm mark to the 160 cm mark. The displacement would then be how far the block is from the origin when the timing was stopped plus/minus the uncertainty of this value. Due to the measurements there would be some uncertainty in this displacement value. You have to put an estimate on this uncertainty. Did you use a stopwatch for the measurements?
 
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