0625 Physics Energy Lab - 1

Name: Class:

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Gravitational Potential Energy

In this practical you will determine the relationship between the height at which a ball is released
and its starting GPE.

Apparatus: ball (pendulum bob) , string , balance , metre-rule

Method:

1. Use the electronic balance to measure the mass of the ball. Record it in the space provided.

2. Drop the ball from the edge of the desk

3. Use the string and the metre rule to measure the distance through which the ball has fallen.

Record it in the table.

4. Repeat for 5 different lengths

Precaution:

Take care when dropping the ball from a high level - ensure the area below is clear

Recording data:

Record the mass of the ball and the heights from which it is dropped

Mass of the ball ……………………………………….kg

Calculate the GPE for each of these heights, using the equation:

GPE = weight x height

Height / m GPE / J

Handling Data:

Use the date from your experiment to plot a graph of gravitational potential energy (vertical axis)
against height (horizontal axis). Choose a sensible scale such as 1: 2, 1 : 5 or 1 : 10 or a multiple
of one of these.

Draw a line of best fit for your plot.

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0625 Physics Energy Lab - 1
Analysis:

Describe the relationship between gravitational potential energy and height. Give reasons for your
answer.

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The gradient of the line on your graph is equal to the weight of the ball. Calculate the gradient of
the line.

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Evaluation

Calculate the weight of the ball from the measured mass and compare this to the weight
calculated from the gradient. Are they significantly different ?

Give one reason why these results may differ.

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Suggest one other way to measure height accurately

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Compare the results of your graph with those of another group. What conclusion can you draw
about the effect of height of drop on the GPE of the balls used.

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End
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