PASCO



  • Select balls of different masses but similar cross-sectional areas. In addition, use balls of different cross-sectional areas but similar masses.

  • Admonish students not to bounce or play with the balls.

  • Foam balls may be difficult for the Motion Sensor to detect. Light-weight tape may be applied to the surface of a foam ball to allow the Motion Sensor to detect it.

  • Discuss "free fall" before the lab. Specifically, address whether a ball with an upward trajectory is in "free fall."

  • Have students research the measurement and calculation of the cross-sectional area of a ball.

  • The Motion Sensor's transducer may detect the edge of the table or other objects. Make certain that the motion center hangs as far as possible over the edge of the table.

  • If the Motion Sensor detects the edge of the lab table, have students turn the Motion Sensor's transducer slightly away from the lab table.

  • Check each group's lab station for a proper and safe set up of the lab.

  • Data collection will begin after the student selects the "START" button in DataStudio and after the ball is beyond 20 cm. Therefore, make sure students drop the ball just beneath the Motion Sensor.

  • To Download the "Dropping Balls" DataStudio file with Sample Data for this experiment, click on Windows (Zip file) or Macintosh (Stuffit file).