Force & Motion: Freefall
Directly observe and graph in real time the motion of an object during freefall.
As the ball falls and bounces, students see the data of position vs. time represented. In the graph below, the collected data is displayed as velocity for further student analysis.
Lab Summary
By directly observing the motion of an object as it goes from rest to freefall, your students will develop their understanding of gravity.
Using a Motion Sensor, students see the relationship between the motion of a ball and the evolution of a graph on a screen in real time.
Your students then analyze their graphed data to determine for themselves the magnitude of the acceleration due to gravity.
Downloads
- Download Free Lab (305 KB, .pdf)
(student version)
Method
Use a Motion Sensor to measure the motion of a ball as it falls and bounces several times.
Here's What You Need
U.S. Educator prices shown.
Probeware
PASPORT Motion Sensor (PS-2103A) - $80
Accurately measures position, velocity, and acceleration of a target. For use with PASPORT Interfaces.
Xplorer GLX (PS-2002) - $349
The Xplorer GLX is a data collection, graphing, and analysis tool designed for science students and educators.
Other Products
Double Rod Clamp (3 pack) (ME-9873) - $18
Clamp holds two rods either parallel or perpendicular to one another.
1.5 m Measuring Tape (10 pack) (PM-8761) - $40
Easily measure distance in both inches and centimeters.
Other Materials
- Ball, Rubber
Lab Manual
This activity is included in Physics with the Xplorer GLX (PS-2826), complete with Teacher Information pages, student instructions and handouts, and sample data for a total of 35 probeware-based labs. For your convenience, we offer bundles which provide the probeware necessary for the activities in the manual. For more information on these resources and bundles, click here.
