Basic Idea:

• Students will get a visual representation of the acceleration of a falling object.

• 5 

What:	How Many:	Where:
Recording Timer	1	non-Majors storeroom, shelf G2
Paper Roll	1	non-Majors storeroom, shelf G2
100 g mass	2	non-Majors storeroom, shelf D3
Meter sticks	2	non-Majors storeroom, shelf AA2
Large bench clamp	1	non-Majors storeroom, shelf C3
Knife-edge clamp	1	non-Majors storeroom, shelf C2
Wooden platform	1	non-Majors storeroom, shelf F5
Roll of masking tape	As many as we have	Look around

Computers Needed?

• Yes.

• The shelves in the Majors storeroom are color coded: the right side is gold, the left side red.

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• Lab Setup:

  

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• Recording Timer and platform:

  Recording Timer	Wooden Platform
  Note: The carbon side faces in; the paper tape runs between the base and the carbon disc!

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• Equipment Setup:

  

  Notes:

  1. Attach timer to platform with knife-edge clamp; platform to bench with large clamp
  2. Timer is plastic; don't over tighten knife-edge clamp!
  3. The t-handle of the knife-edge clamp should point inward; stays out of the experimentor's way

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• Students will work in pairs.

• The mass is attached to the tape using masking tape. Try to hold the tape straight up to prevent dragging in the metal channel as the mass falls. A stool is needed so that “vertically challenged” students may hold the tape properly.