What is the equation for calculating acceleration due to gravity?

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The discussion focuses on calculating the acceleration due to gravity (g) in a lab experiment involving a puck on an air table and a falling weight. Two methods are suggested: equating the kinetic energy of the puck to the potential energy lost by the weight (mgh) or measuring the puck's acceleration and applying Newton's second law. It is clarified that while the puck's acceleration can be measured, it does not equal g directly. The importance of considering the forces acting on both objects is emphasized to accurately solve for g. Overall, the lab aims to measure g through these calculations and principles.
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im having trouble finding the equation for finding "g" calculating the acceleration due to gravity. I am doing a lab consisting of a air table and a puck attached to a weight, the weight falls pulling the puck horizontally across the air table.
 
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well there are two ways. firstly if you find the kenetic energy of the puck as the weight moves a certain distance then equate that to the potential loss of the weight (mgh) you can find g. Or you could simply find the accel of the puck and that would equal accel due to gravity (assuming frictionless pully)
 
Is the purpose of the lab to measure "g"? If so, consider the forces on both objects and apply Newton's 2nd law to each. You'll be able to solve for "g" in terms of the acceleration of the pucks, which I assume you are measuring. (The acceleration of the puck will not equal "g".)
 
yeh sorry it wont, the force will however and you, as you said, use Newtons 2nd law. meant force, really i did :P
 

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For simple comparison, I think the same thought process can be followed as a block slides down a hill, - for block down hill, simple starting PE of mgh to final max KE 0.5mv^2 - comparing PE1 to max KE2 would result in finding the work friction did through the process. efficiency is just 100*KE2/PE1. If a mousetrap car travels along a flat surface, a starting PE of 0.5 k th^2 can be measured and maximum velocity of the car can also be measured. If energy efficiency is defined by...
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