Physics Lab question velocity/Δt simple

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on understanding the relationship between velocity and time intervals (Δt) in a physics lab experiment involving a falling object with bands passing through a photogate. As the object accelerates due to gravity, the Δt values decrease because the time for each band to pass the photogate shortens. This phenomenon occurs because the object's increasing velocity results in shorter intervals between the bands being detected by the photogate. The conclusion is that the decreasing Δt values directly correlate with the increasing speed of the falling object.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically acceleration due to gravity.
  • Familiarity with photogate technology and its application in measuring time intervals.
  • Knowledge of velocity and its relationship with time in motion.
  • Ability to interpret raw data from physics experiments.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of free fall and gravitational acceleration.
  • Study the mechanics of photogate sensors and their applications in experiments.
  • Learn about kinematic equations and their relevance to motion analysis.
  • Explore data analysis techniques for interpreting experimental results in physics.
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Students in physics courses, educators teaching motion concepts, and anyone interested in experimental physics and data interpretation.

munchy35
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Homework Statement



Hi all. I did a lab in physics and am struggling with a question. The lab involved dropping an object that had clear and black bands on it through a photogate to determine velocity and time.

The question I'm struggling with is...

Looking at the RAW DATA, you should notice that the Δt values are getting smaller as the falling proceeds. Why is this?

Homework Equations



There aren't really equations. It's just a question, but attempted answer below.


The Attempt at a Solution



I'm just confused on what this means. I'm pretty sure Δt is the time for which the photgate was open - between the bands on the falling object. Is the answer simply that the Δt becomes smaller, because as the object falls the velocity is increasing - so the time that the photogate was open will become shorter.

Is this right? If it is, can someone help me use clearer wording. Thanks!
 
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munchy35 said:
I'm just confused on what this means. I'm pretty sure Δt is the time for which the photgate was open - between the bands on the falling object. Is the answer simply that the Δt becomes smaller, because as the object falls the velocity is increasing - so the time that the photogate was open will become shorter.

Is this right? If it is, can someone help me use clearer wording. Thanks!

Yes. As the object speeds up, the time for a band to pass the photogate becomes shorter.
 
munchy35 said:


The Attempt at a Solution



I'm just confused on what this means. I'm pretty sure Δt is the time for which the photgate was open - between the bands on the falling object. Is the answer simply that the Δt becomes smaller, because as the object falls the velocity is increasing - so the time that the photogate was open will become shorter.

Is this right? If it is, can someone help me use clearer wording. Thanks!


Looks good to me..
 

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