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- A. General Materials & Mathematics
- B. Statics
- C. Kinematics & Dynamics
- D. Rotational Mechanics
- E. Gravitation & Astronomy
- F. Fluid Mechanics
- G. Vibrations & Mechanical Waves
- H. Sound
- I. Thermodynamics
- J. Electrostatics & Magnetostatics
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- P. Modern Physics
Air Track - The Acceleration Of Gravity
Purpose
To experimentally determine the acceleration of gravity.
Equipment
Air track with glider and photocell gate timer.
Suggestions
Set timer gate above lower air track feet so you have space to catch the glider before it hits the end.
Setup Time
5 min.
Images
Description
One end of the air track is elevated at an angle a so that the glider will accelerate down the slope with some component of the acceleration of gravity. This component is determined experimentally by measuring the velocity v of the glider after it has accelerated a fixed distance S down the track. The angle a is determined from the amount the track is raised and the distance between the two support feet. The acceleration of gravity is then: g =v**2 /2 S sin a. ◙
References
Information Sheet.
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See pagesc1. center of mass motion
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See pagesc3. first law of motion
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See pagesc4. second law of motion
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See pagesc5. third law of motion
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See pagesc6. friction
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See pagesc7. collisions
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See pagesc8. mechanical energy & power
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See pagesc1. center of mass motion
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See pagesc3. first law of motion
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See pagesc4. second law of motion
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See pagesc5. third law of motion
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See pagesc6. friction
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See pagesc7. collisions
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See pagesc8. mechanical energy & power