G by free fall

'g' by Free Fall

The simplest approach yet to this important experiment in mechanics.
The apparatus consists of a ball-release mechanism (to start the timing process) and a separate base with inbuilt trigger (to stop the timing). These two units are connected to a millisecond timer (not included) using 4mm lab leads, providing a simple but effective and accurate method of measuring the acceleration due to gravity (g). The release mechanism comes mounted on a short metal rod, which can be clamped in a bosshead at the top of a retort stand. This mechanism attaches to a millisecond timer using 4mm plug leads (not supplied) and is operated by placing a ball bearing (supplied) between the two electrical contacts, then simply squeezing the opposite ends of the mechanism to release the ball bearing. This automatically triggers the timer to start timing. When the ball bearing hits the impact plate of the base unit, which should be placed directly below, a sensitive vibration sensor is triggered, which stops the timer (this replaces the old type of mechanical trapdoor). The acceleration due to gravity can then be calculated, using the recorded time and distance of fall. The further the drop of the ball bearing, the more accurate and repeatable the results will be. Ideally, a long retort stand mounted at the edge of a bench, with the base unit placed on the floor below, should give the best results, although dropping the ball from different heights will give a good comparison. If long leads are needed, stackable 4mm plug leads can be connected together to increase the length. No power supply is required, just a sensitive millisecond timer with debounced inputs and Start and Stop triggering. Supplied with instructions and ball bearings.

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