Ball Drop Lab Report:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1seMa6jzgsJDJX4zmm0IZW8QcNbcbRmqZD914yx10nS4/edit?tab=t.0
For this project, we were tasked with finding what happens to the gravitational potential energy of a ball as it falls. We came up with the hypothesis that if a ball is dropped from a height of 1m, then nearly all potential energy from the top will convert to kinetic energy at the bottom. We used a relatively short procedure of using a meter stick to find how fast the dropped ball moves, and recorded the ball falling in slow motion using a phone camera. We took 3 trials to eliminate error, and applied our data to find potential, kinetic, and thermal energy. Looking at our final results, we find that the percent converted is anywhere between 77% and 97%, however the average was found to be about 90%. This is not consistent or near our prediction that almost all, meaning above 98%, of potential energy from the ball at the top will convert to kinetic. There were likely many errors along the way, such as timing error and calculation error, which even the slightest change could greatly affect our results.
Content:
Velocity: The measurement of the rate and direction of motion, V=d/t
Acceleration: The rate of change of an object's velocity, A=v/t
Free Fall: The motion of an object where gravity is the only force acting on it, A=9.8 m/s^2 on earth
Air Resistance: The force of air pushing against an object (Drag), F=(1/2)(p)(v^2)(C)(A)
Potential Energy: The stored energy in an object due to its position, U=mgh
Kinetic Energy: The energy an object possesses due to its motion, KE=(1/2)(m)(v^2)
Thermal Energy: The total kinetic energy of all particles in a system due to their motion, associated with the heat generated by random movement of atoms
Reflection:
I think we worked well to sort out our problems and disagreements that showed up along the way. In the end I felt like even though our hypothesis wasn't correct, we had good data and calculations that took time and effort to find. This semester I have learned a lot about how I can manage my time and what I really need to focus on. I think I am finding my interests better this year. I want to keep working towards being disciplined to get work done and also take time to truly learn the material that is given. Having good critical thinking and collaboration with others is what has helped me do well in this class, as it is important to take more than just your own input and put yourself in the minds of others.