Find the mass and cross-sectional area of each ball provided by the instructor. Enter the values into the data table below.
Ball
Mass (kg)
Cross-sectional
Area (m2)
Slope
Vertical Intercept
With the appropriate DataStudio file open, hold a ball beneath the Motion Sensor.
Simultaneously drop the ball and press the Start button ( ) in DataStudio. To delete unwanted data, click on the "Experiment" menu and select "Delete last data run."
Make a qualitative sketch of the resulting graph with the appropriate variables and units on each axis.
Using the cursor, highlight a section of the graph that represents the ball in "free fall."
Select the Fit button ( ) located at the top of the Velocity-Time graph. Select "Fit Linear." Record the slope and vertical intercept in the Data Table above.
What physical quantity does the slope of your Velocity-Time graph represent?
What does the vertical intercept of your Velocity-Time graph represent?
Observe the signs of your slopes. What do they represent?
Write a linear equation (y=mx+b) for one of your Velocity-Time graphs.
Beneath your last sketch, write a paragraph that describes the ball's motion. Be as descriptive as possible. Include speeds, directions, positions, etc.
Return to your DataStudio file. Maximize the graphs "Position and Velocity" located at the bottom of the screen. Compare the graphs with your written description of the ball's motion. Make any necessary changes to your written description.
Compare the slopes of the Velocity-Time graph for the balls with similar masses but different cross-sectional areas. Explain any differences or similarities.
Compare the slopes of the Velocity-Time graph for the balls with similar cross-sectional areas but different masses. Explain any differences or similarities.
) in DataStudio. To delete unwanted data, click on the "Experiment" menu and select "Delete last data run."
) located at the top of the Velocity-Time graph. Select "Fit Linear." Record the slope and vertical intercept in the Data Table above.
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