Uniform Acceleration Jean Beaver Kathryn McGill Ryan Bricker Physics 183 K 9/13/11 Abstract: During the Uniform

Acceleration lab, we are studying the uniform acceleration of an object rolling down a ramp, the acceleration due to gravity of a free falling object, and what kinds of measurement uncertainties there are, as well as how to calculate the percent of error in an experiment. In this lab, we used multiple different objects and technologies in order to learn about and figure out these different objectives. In doing so, we successfully were able to find each of the three objectives we originally were trying to find. When calculating the percent error, we found a 4.08% error in our second experiment, which we were able to attribute to accidental errors in measurement.

Introduction: In the lab Uniform Acceleration we used a pool ball, a plank with guides, a meter stick, and a computer stopwatch in order to study uniform acceleration by rolling a ball down a ramp. If we know the spacing between marks at a certain time interval, then we can calculate the average velocity and acceleration of the ball as it travels down a ramp. After finding this information we learned how to identify different kinds of errors (systematic, accidental, and random) and how to apply them to our experiment. Next, we analyzed the free fall acceleration of an object over time using a picket fence timing strip, computer interface system, a photogate, and a padded box to catch the picket fence strips. If we find the lengths of each strip, and the timing between each strip, we can get a calculation of velocity and acceleration as the strip passes through the photogate in free fall. After finding these calculations, we calculated the percent of error using:

The purpose of this experiment is to study uniform acceleration, find acceleration due to gravity, and to learn about measurement uncertainty, errors, and to learn how to calculate the percent of error. Apparatus and Procedure: For the first part of our experiment where we analyzed uniform acceleration of a ball rolling down a ramp, we used a pool ball, a plank with guides, a meter stick, and a computer stopwatch to analyze and calculate our data. We

decided on one-second intervals and started the computer stopwatch. After getting used to the time interval we marked the starting position of the ball, and let it go. After each second interval, we placed another marker in the position the ball was at during that second. We repeated this step multiple times until we had each second interval position in exactly the right place. We recorded the distance between each mark at each second. After collecting all of this information, we created a position vs. time graph as well as a velocity vs. time graph using an Excel spreadsheet. The physical setup for this lab looked as follows:

For the second half of our experiment where we analyzed the free fall acceleration of an object over time, we used a picket fence timing strip, the computer interface system, a photogate, and a padded box to analyze and calculate our data. Holding the picket fence timing strip right above the photogate sensor, we started the program, and let go of the timing strip. Once the timing strip fell through the photogate and to the ground, the computer

program DataStudio calculated the velocity and acceleration of the picket fence timing strip in free fall over time. This program allowed us to create a position vs. time graph and insert a line of regression to calculate the slope. Next we used all of our information we had collected, and a calculator, to calculate the percent of error in our experiment using the equation above. The physical setup for this lab looked as follows:

Results and Discussion: Position vs Time

100 80 Position (cm) 60
Series1

40 20 0 0 2 Time (s) 4 6

Velocity vs Time
30 25 Velocity (cm/s) 20 15 10 5 0 0 2 4 Time (s) 6
Series1

y = 5.89x + 0.78

These are the graphs that were formed on Excel after collecting and inputting the data collected in the first half of our experiment. We input the distance in centimeters at each second into the spreadsheet to create the position vs. time graph. The distance and time intervals between each of the marks tell us that the acceleration of the ball traveling down the ramp is constant, and the velocity is increasing over time. Looking at the data on the velocity vs. time graph we created, the regression line tells us that the motion of the ball is increasing at a constant velocity. These graphs came out pretty accurate. The first graph increases exponentially, and the graph is representative of this.

The second graph increases at a constant velocity, and the regression line hits each point, so it is also representative. Although our graphs are very near accurate, there is always room for more accurate measurements. The velocity vs. time graph tells us that the position increases at a constant rate. The acceleration is also constant. This is shown by V=5.89x+.78 and A=5.89cm/s. In this first experiment, we know that there could have been accident error. Accidental error is human error in measurement. Our measurements in this experiment were not 100% accurate.

When measuring the length of the black strips on the picket fence, we find them to be .05m. Upon collecting and inserting data, the graphs show us position vs. time, velocity vs. time, and the acceleration of the picket fence in free fall. We find that the position vs. time graph increases exponentially and the velocity vs. time graph increases at a constant rate. The slope of the regression line on the velocity graph was 8.93 +/- .22 m/s. The acceleration graph gives us the mean to be 9.4. This value also represents the average acceleration on the free falling object. The standard deviation is found to be 0.7. Once we found these values, we were able to calculate the percent error in our experiment. In order to calculate this, we use the equation listed above and find our percent of error to be 4.08%. Possible ways we could have come to this percentage would be accidental errors in measurements. In order to change this if we were to do the experiment again, we could run more tests until we achieved accurate, consistent measurements throughout each trial.

Conclusion: After studying the uniform acceleration of an object rolling down a ramp, the acceleration due to gravity of an object in free fall, and measurements of uncertainty, we were able to calculate each of these using the different objects and technologies provided for us. Our hypothesis that we would be able to measure acceleration, velocity, and percent of error in our experiment was proven correct once we collected all of the necessary data.