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Practical - 'g' by Freefall

Aiming for a value of 9.81, this experiment allows you to see the effects of errors in your measurements.

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1. 'g' by Freefall (Trapdoor Method)

Dropping a steel ball bearing through a known distance and measuring the time allows you to calculate 'g'. Using a digital timer improves the accuracy as it automatically starts and stops.

2. 'g' by Freefall - Results

How to analyse some sample data to calculate a value for the acceleration due to gravity.

3. 'g' by Freefall

Dropping a steel ball bearing through light gates can be used to find the acceleration due to gravity. Recording the time taken for it to fall as you then change the distance between the gates allows a graph to be plotted the the value of 'g' determined.

4. 'g' by Freefall - Teacher and Technician Guidance

A few extra notes for teachers and technicians who will be planning this practical for their classes.

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Scientific equipment in these videos provided by Lascells.

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