What is the equation for calculating acceleration due to gravity?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the acceleration due to gravity (g) in a lab experiment involving a puck on an air table and a falling weight. Two methods are suggested: equating the kinetic energy of the puck to the potential energy lost by the weight (mgh) or measuring the puck's acceleration and applying Newton's second law. It is clarified that while the puck's acceleration can be measured, it does not equal g directly. The importance of considering the forces acting on both objects is emphasized to accurately solve for g. Overall, the lab aims to measure g through these calculations and principles.
paultt
2
0
im having trouble finding the equation for finding "g" calculating the acceleration due to gravity. I am doing a lab consisting of a air table and a puck attached to a weight, the weight falls pulling the puck horizontally across the air table.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
well there are two ways. firstly if you find the kenetic energy of the puck as the weight moves a certain distance then equate that to the potential loss of the weight (mgh) you can find g. Or you could simply find the accel of the puck and that would equal accel due to gravity (assuming frictionless pully)
 
Is the purpose of the lab to measure "g"? If so, consider the forces on both objects and apply Newton's 2nd law to each. You'll be able to solve for "g" in terms of the acceleration of the pucks, which I assume you are measuring. (The acceleration of the puck will not equal "g".)
 
yeh sorry it wont, the force will however and you, as you said, use Newtons 2nd law. meant force, really i did :P
 

Thread 'Average velocity as a weighted mean'

Hello everyone, Consider the problem in which a car is told to travel at 30 km/h for L kilometers and then at 60 km/h for another L kilometers. Next, you are asked to determine the average speed. My question is: although we know that the average speed in this case is the harmonic mean of the two speeds, is it also possible to state that the average speed over this 2L-kilometer stretch can be obtained as a weighted average of the two speeds? Best regards, DaTario
View full post »

Thread 'Effect of mass on the acceleration of an elastic pendulum?'

I know that mass does not affect the acceleration in a simple pendulum undergoing SHM, but how does the mass on the spring that makes up the elastic pendulum affect its acceleration? Certainly, there must be a change due to the displacement from equilibrium caused by each differing mass? I am talking about finding the acceleration at a specific time on each trial with different masses and comparing them. How would they compare and why?
View full post »

Similar threads

I Understanding tension and centripedal force in a puck and weight
Replies
4
Views
2K
B Why do we feel gravitational acceleration from the Earth and not from the Sun?
Replies
5
Views
2K
I A rod that falls while rotating from the end of a table
Replies
2
Views
1K
B Non-physicist needs your help torquing a nut!
Replies
9
Views
1K
Force equation: use mass or weight?
Replies
32
Views
4K
Finding the Average Acceleration
Replies
12
Views
2K
I PIGA: Pendulous Integrating Gyroscopic Accelerometer
Replies
0
Views
1K
Is the Faulty Velocity Equation for Projectile Launch Valid?
Replies
12
Views
1K
Derivation of the change of air pressure with height
2
Replies
50
Views
4K
B Calculate needed dimensions of table - Center of mass, levers etc
Replies
11
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top