Gravity experiments are fundamental in physics education. They help us understand how objects fall under Earth's gravitational influence. The most basic experiment involves dropping objects from different heights and measuring their motion. These experiments allow us to determine the acceleration due to gravity, which is approximately 9.8 meters per second squared.
The free fall experiment is the most fundamental gravity experiment. We drop an object from a known height and measure the time it takes to fall. Using the kinematic equation h equals one half g t squared, we can calculate the acceleration due to gravity. The ball accelerates downward at 9.8 meters per second squared, regardless of its mass.
The pendulum experiment is another classic method to measure gravity. A pendulum's period depends on its length and gravitational acceleration. The formula T equals 2 pi times the square root of L over g shows this relationship. By measuring the period and length, we can calculate g. The pendulum swings back and forth with a constant period, making it an accurate tool for gravity measurement.
Projectile motion experiments study objects launched at an angle under gravity's influence. The motion has two components: horizontal motion at constant velocity, and vertical motion with gravitational acceleration. By tracking the projectile's path, we can measure gravity and understand how it affects motion in two dimensions. The parabolic trajectory is characteristic of all projectile motion.
Our gravity experiments yield consistent results. Free fall gives 9.81 meters per second squared, pendulum gives 9.78, and projectile motion gives 9.83. All values are very close to the standard gravitational acceleration of 9.807 meters per second squared. The small variations are due to experimental uncertainties and measurement errors. These experiments successfully demonstrate that gravity provides a constant downward acceleration for all objects near Earth's surface.