Proving Gravity on Earth: A Creative Lab Design

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on designing a creative laboratory experiment to prove that the acceleration due to gravity on Earth is 9.81 m/s². Participants emphasize the need for originality, avoiding simple drop tests with varying masses. Suggestions include exploring equations that relate gravity to measurable variables such as time and distance, and considering methods to slow down the acceleration of gravity, inspired by historical experiments conducted by Isaac Newton.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations
  • Basic knowledge of experimental design
  • Ability to measure time and distance accurately
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Isaac Newton's experiments on gravity
  • Explore kinematic equations related to free fall
  • Investigate methods to slow down gravitational acceleration
  • Learn about creative experimental designs in physics
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, educators designing lab experiments, and anyone interested in innovative approaches to demonstrating fundamental physical concepts.

zesoccerfreak
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Hi all at physics forums,
I was given the task of proving that gravity on Earth is actually 9.81. It must be a proof/lab design and must be creative. We are not allowed to simply just drop 3 objects with different masses and calculate their acceleration. Need an original idea, not asking for anyone to do it for me but just to give me a decent idea. Thanks in advance.
 
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zesoccerfreak said:
Hi all at physics forums,
I was given the task of proving that gravity on Earth is actually 9.81. It must be a proof/lab design and must be creative. We are not allowed to simply just drop 3 objects with different masses and calculate their acceleration. Need an original idea, not asking for anyone to do it for me but just to give me a decent idea. Thanks in advance.

Welcome to PF.

What equations do you know that relate gravity to variables you can measure like time and distance? What can you vary to deduce the value through measurement? Or how might you be able to slow the acceleration of gravity in a controllable way?
 
Isaac Newton did it. Maybe you could find out how he did it and reproduce his experiments.

Just an idea.
 

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