Activity Detail
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How Can a Clock Part Measure Gravity?
 


Activity Overview

In this activity students' will learn how to make a simple pendulum. Students' will use a motion detector to measure the period of a pendulum and calculate its acceleration.They will also understand the effect that gravity has on the motion of a pendulum and calculate the acceleration due to gravity.

Before the Activity

  • Connect the TI-73 to the CBL™ unit
  • Connect the motion sensor in the DIG/SONIC on the CBL 2
  • Download DataMate™ program
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 75 - 80 from the attached PDF file for your class

    •

    		During the Activity

    		Distribute the pages to your class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:
  • Attach a simple pendulum to the ring stand using a 0.5 meter string
  • Position the motion detector aimed at the mass at the end of the pendulum
  • Pull the mass back 50 cm and release it
  • Graph data and record the time at the top of the first two peaks
  • Conduct a total of three trials
  • Repeat the same procedure for a pendulum with string length of 1.5 meters
  • Use the formula and calculate the acceleration due to gravity

    		After the Activity

    		Students' will complete Student Data Collection and Analysis Sheet.

    Review student results
  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary

    		Other Downloads




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    Subject Area:
    Science : Physics : Dynamics
    Science : Physical Science : Newton's Laws

    Author:
    Texas Instruments

    Level:
    5-8

    Activity Time:
    60 Minutes

    Device:
    TI-73 Explorer™

    Apps:
    DataMate

    Software:
    TI Connect™, TI-GRAPH LINK™

    Accessories:
    CBL™/CBL 2™, CBR™/CBR 2™, Sensor - Motion Detector, TI Connectivity Cable, TI-GRAPH LINK™ Cable, Unit-to-Unit link cables

    Other:
    This is Activity 9 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Activities for Middle Grades Science with the CBL 2™ and TI-73.

    The following materials are required for this activity:

  • One mass that is big enough to be detected by the CBR
  • 2 pieces of string (0.5 and 1.5 meters)
  • Ring stand with clamp
  • Meter stick


    • Report an issue with this activity