International Baccalaureate Physics 4/PSOW

Acceleration due to gravity – Error and uncertainty investigation

Aim: IB Criteria Assessed
This experiment is designed to introduce you to the detail that is Data Processing, Evaluation
needed when constructing and presenting your table of results for an Criteria Aspect Level
experiment. It will also allow you to practice some of the data analysis assessed 1 2 3 awarded
techniques that have been recently discussed in class. Pl (a)

Method: Pl (b)
1. For various heights, drop the object as it falls to the floor, DC
accelerating at a rate of g = 10m/s2.
DPP
2. Time the object 3 times as it falls and take an average of these
times. CE

Data Collection:
• Complete the results table given.
• Include all the uncertainties and percentage uncertainties as
indicated by the table headings.

Data Processing and Presentation:

• Draw a suitable graph that will allow an analysis to be made on the raw data.
• From your graph calculate the acceleration due to gravity, g, for a falling object.
• Include actual and percentage uncertainties by plotting suitable straight lines to determine these
errors.

Conclusion and Evaluation:

• Draw conclusions from the data that you have collected and analysed - compare your results to
literature values.
• Evaluate the procedures, including any modifications you had to make to overcome problems.
Include an evaluation of the apparatus used.
• Suggest ways in which the procedure could be modified in order to improve it for the future.

© 2006 - Mike Dickinson 8356923.doc

International Baccalaureate Physics 4/PSOW

Acceleration due to gravity – Error and uncertainty investigation

Distance Absolute Percent. Time 1 Time 2 Time 3 Average Absolute Percent. Time2 Percent. Absolute Accel., a Percent Absolute
l uncert, in uncert in t1 t2 t3 Time uncert. in uncert in t2 uncert in uncert in uncert in uncert in
a = 2l
distance distance /s /s tave time time t2 t2 t2 accel, a accel, a
/m /m /% /s /s /s /% / s2 /% / s2 / m/s 2 /% / m/s2

© 2006 - Mike Dickinson 8356923.doc