To Calculate Acceleration Due to Gravity Using a Ticker Timer and a Slotted Mass

Experiment 5.1.2 Slotted Mass

through Ticker Timer

AIM

To calculate acceleration due to gravity using a ticker timer and a slotted mass. We will be using the

formula v=u+at which we can derive to a=v-u/t

INTRODUCTION

The acceleration due to gravity is normally 9.81 m/s^2 we will prove this through experimentation

MATERIALS

 Fix the mass to one end of the ticker tape using some sticky tape

 Set the up the ticker timer with a clamp as shown in the diagram. Using the ticker timer on its

side reduces the friction between the tape and the timer.

RISK ASSESSMENT

Risk Risk Level Control

Handling Electricity Low Care taken

METHOD

1. Fix the mass to one end of the ticker tape using some sticky tape

2. Set the up the ticker timer with a clamp as shown in the diagram. Using the ticker timer on its

side reduces the friction between the tape and the timer.

3. Connect the power supply.

4. Fit the tape into the timer. Hold onto the free end of the tape and switch on the power supply.

5. Release the tape.

6. The pull of gravity on the mass will accelerate the tape through the timer.

DIAGRAM

[Name][Type your class]6/19/2017

ScreaM 6/19/2017

RESULTS

CALCULATIONS AND ANALYSIS

Length = 9.5cm

Length between 1 st dot and 2 nd dot 2.2 cm

Time = 0.02s

Length between 2 nd last and last dot = 4cm approx.

Time = 0.02s

[Name][Type your class]6/19/2017

ScreaM 6/19/2017

Accel = 9.4ms-2 (approx.)

DISCUSSION

Accuracy assessment: Perhaps could be more accurate if we didn’t round the values for the velocity and

length, the ticker tape was digitally scanned so that could pose some problems with the accuracy but I

doubt that the change will be significant as it was scanned beside a ruler this may also eliminate parallax

error was the printer scanning “camera” is perpendicular to the ruler less a few imperfections in the

ruler itself which I cannot judge myself. Perhaps could be improved by getting rid of rounding and

getting a more accurate ruler.

Reliability assessment: Could be lower 1 trial as we only used 1 ticker tape instead of averaging the

acceleration of all 3. Acceleration will vary due to friction from the paper and the ticker timer and the