Physics 11

Learning Intentions

• To learn how to calculate displacement under constant acceleration due to gravity
  

Equations

• $\vec{d}_{avg}\ =\ \frac{\vec{d}_1\ +\ \vec{d}_2\ +\ \vec{d}_3\ +\ \vec{d}_4\ +\ \vec{d}_5}{5}$
• $\vec{d}\ =\ \vec{v}_0{t}\ +\ \frac{1}{2}\vec{a}t^2$
  
• $\vec{g}\ =\ \vec{a}_{gravity}\ =\ 9.81\ \frac{m}{s^2}\ [down]$

Procedures

1. Work in pairs. One partner will dangle a metre-stick in the air, with 0 cm at the bottom and 100 cm at the top. They should be gripping the metre-stick lightly by the top end.
   
2. The other partner puts their hand around the metre-stick, with the top of their thumb at the 20 cm mark.
   
3. After a random amount of time, the first partner drops the metre-stick. The second partner must catch the metre-stick as quickly as possible. Record the measurement for where the partner caught the stick.
   
4. Repeat this procedure 5 times, then repeat it 5 times with the partners’ roles switched. Each partner should record their own data on their own paper.
   
5. Calculate the average distance the metre-stick fell. Using this distance, find your average reaction time.

Data Collection

Questions

1. On average, how long did it take to react to the falling metre-stick?
2. How would this experiment be different if you did it on the moon?
   

Assessment

• Required Parts (10%)
  
• Data table complete
• All questions answered
  
• Questions (90%)
  
• Accurate answers