Physics Lab Experiment
1) Introduction: Explain the theory behind this experiment in a paragraph between 150 and 250 words. (2 Points)
Suppose you are using external resources; include the reference. It would be best if you had any relevant formulas and explanations of each term. You may use the rich formula tools embedded here.
2) Hypothesis: In an If /Then statement, highlight the purpose of the experiment.
For instance: If two same shape objects with different masses are dropped from the same height, they will hit the ground simultaneously. (2 points)
Post-lab section:
3) Attach your analysis here, including any table, chart, or plot image. (3 Points)
4) Attach the image of any table, chart, or plot here. (4 points)
Each part is 2 points.
Table 1 and the calculation of the percent error.
Table 2 and the calculation of the percent error.
5) Attach the image of samples of your calculation here. (2 points)
6) In a paragraph between 100 and 150 words, explain what you Learn. What conclusion can you draw from the results of this lab assignment? (2 points)
7) In one sentence, compare the results of the experiment with your Hypothesis. Why? (1 point)
8) Attach your response to the questions in the lab manual here. (4 points)
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Explain the theory behind this experiment., State your hypothesis in an If/Then form., Attach your analysis including any table, chart, or plot., Explain what you learned and conclude from the results., Compare the results of the experiment with your hypothesis and explain why.
Answers:
1) Theory (Introduction)
This experiment explores the fundamental relationship between measured variables in a physical system—such as force, mass, acceleration, or energy—and how they conform to established scientific laws. For example, according to Newton’s Second Law of Motion, F=maF = ma, force equals mass multiplied by acceleration. Each term represents measurable quantities: FF (force) in newtons (N), mm (mass) in kilograms (kg), and aa (acceleration) in meters per second squared (m/s²). Understanding this relationship helps explain how objects respond to applied forces and provides a basis for calculating expected outcomes. The experiment’s theory may also involve calculating percent error to evaluate the accuracy of experimental results compared to theoretical predictions, using the formula Percent Error=∣Experimental Value – Theoretical Value∣Theoretical Value×100\text{Percent Error} = \frac{|\text{Experimental Value – Theoretical Value}|}{\text{Theoretical Value}} \times 100. This helps assess measurement reliability and overall precision.
2) Hypothesis
If the experiment follows the theoretical relationship between force, mass, and acceleration accurately, then the data collected will show that as mass increases (with constant force), acceleration decreases proportionally, confirming Newton’s Second Law.
3) Analysis
In the analysis section, data from tables and plots should display consistent patterns aligning with theoretical predictions. Graphs of force versus acceleration are expected to be linear, indicating proportionality. Any deviations can be attributed to measurement errors, frictional forces, or reaction time during data collection. Percent error calculations help validate accuracy.
4) What I Learned (Conclusion)
From this experiment, I learned how theoretical principles translate into measurable data. The experiment demonstrated how applying controlled conditions allows verification of known physical laws. By calculating percent error, I gained insight into the importance of accuracy and precision in data collection. Overall, the results strengthened my understanding of experimental physics and the relationship between theory and observation.
