Motion of a Freely Falling Body

Objectives:
1) To determine the acceleration due to gravity i.e. gravitational acceleration g.

Apparatus:
1) 2) 3) 4) A solid spherical iron ball A long stand with a solenoid, two photogate detectors and a plastic box An intelligent timer with connecting cords and power supply A plumb line for leveling the stand

Introduction:
Galileo and Newton probably began the systematic experimental study of the motion of a body falling freely under the influence of force of gravity. Now, it is well established that all bodies (near the surface of the earth) in the absence of air resistance, fall with a uniform acceleration. The acceleration of all freely falling bodies is the same (which is independent of the mass of the falling object) at a given point on the surface of the earth. Air resistance distorts the laws of free fall since it mainly depends on the size and shape of the body.

Theory:
Motion of every object falling freely under the influence of gravity near the surface of the earth is accelerated. This acceleration g is a constant and is independent of the mass of the falling object and is given by the relation, 1 s = u t + g t2 (1) 2 where, u is the initial velocity and t is the time the object takes to fall freely through a distance s. (We neglect air resistance.)

Description of Experimental Setup:

In this experimental problem, we will study the motion of a freely falling spherical ball and determine the acceleration due to gravity g. We will use a spherical steel ball (for which we may neglect the air resistance) and let the ball fall freely under the influence of force of gravity. We will record the time t the ball takes to fall freely through a prefixed distance s. Thus for different distances, we need to record the s and t data. From this data, we will determine the value of acceleration due to gravity g. The experimental setup to be used in this problem consists of a stand on the top end of which a small solenoid is clamped to hold an iron ball. Pressing the START switch of the intelligent timer cuts off the power supply to the solenoid and the ball gets released. The solenoid is used to hold and release the ball from the same position each time. An intelligent timer unit, connected to two C-shaped detectors is provided to measure the time. The position of detectors can be changed using the boss heads/clamps. The detectors should be horizontal and should be along a common vertical axis. The detectors detect the crossing of the ball and the timer displays the time t0 and t1. Here t0 is the time the ball takes to fall through the distance between the initial position and the first (upper) detector and t1 is the time the ball takes to fall through the distance between the initial position and the second (lower) detector.

Markings made on the stand and the pointers fixed to the detectors can be used to mark the positions of the detectors and hence measure distance.

Procedure:
1. Clamp a detector below the solenoid and the other below the first. Adjust and level the experimental setup using the given plumb line by hooking its terminal end to the solenoid. For the alignment of the detectors a precaution needs to be observed such that, the ball when released (or the plumb line thread) should not miss the detection line of the detectors and the detectors should be horizontal. 2. Hold and release the given ball using the solenoid and the timer. 3. Note the positions of the solenoid and the detectors. Measure the distance between the balls initial position and the two detectors (say S0 and S1). Record the time t0 and t1, i.e. the ball takes to fall freely through the distances, S0 and S1 respectively. Repeat the measurement thrice in each case. 4. Increase the distance S0 and S1 by moving down the detectors and measure the time t0 and t1. Repeat this step for different positions of the detectors and distances (with appropriate range and interval) and record the corresponding t0 and t1. 5. Plot an appropriate graph to represent the collected data. Think of possible methods, which one can use to determine the acceleration due to gravity g. Use the most appropriate method, carry out the data analysis and determine the value of acceleration due to gravity g. 6. Carry out the necessary error analysis and determine the percentage, absolute and standard error in the value of g. Report your results with the error margins.

Photograph of free fall experimental arrangement

Observations:

Graph:

Error analysis:

Results/Discussions:

Question 1: Why is it suggested to plot a graph? What are the advantages of using a graphical method? Question 2: What are the possible sources of error in the value of g? Suggest modifications in the experimental setup and the method to minimize the error.

References:

1) D. Halliday, R. Resnick and J. Walker, Fundamentals of Physics, Extended 5th Ed, John Wiley and Sons Inc, 1997, pp. 760-761. 2) H. D.Young, M. W. Zemansky and F. W. Sears, University Physics, 6th Ed (Indian Ed), Narosa Pub. House, New Delhi, 1985, pp. 642-643. 3) R. A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 2nd Ed, Saunders College Pub., 1983, pp. 714-716. 4) R. L. Weber et al, College Physics, 5th Ed, Tata McGraw Hill Pub. Co. Ltd., New Delhi, 1977, p. 720. 5) Kushwaha U. S., Datta S. S., Practical Physics for Pre-University Students, 2nd Ed, University Leadership Project, Department of Physics, Punjab University, Chandigarh, India, 1983. 6) Squires G. L., Practical Physics, 3rd Ed., Cambridge University Press, The Edinburgh Building, Cambridge, CB2 2RU, U. K., 1985, ISBN-0 521 65820 9. 7) Taylor John R., An Introduction to Error Analysis (The Study of Uncertainties in Physical Measurements), University Science Books, 20 Edge hill Road, Mill Valley, CA 94941, 1982, ISBN-0-935702-10-5.