======Acceleration Due to Gravity with a Ticker Timer======


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**Materials: **{{$demo.materials_description}}\\
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**Alternative titles:** Measuring g Using Ticker Tape
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  -Set a ticker timer to 50 Hz (0.02 s per dot).
  -Thread a 1 m length of ticker tape through the timer so ~10–15 cm extends past the carbon disk.
  -Firmly tape the free end of the ticker tape to a 200g mass; ensure the tape exits the timer smoothly with minimal friction.
  -Position the timer on its side at the bench edge so the tape falls freely to the floor without rubbing.
  -Switch on the timer, hold the mass ~1 m above the floor, then release it so the tape runs through while it falls; stop the timer after the mass lands.
  -Measure 5 dot sections and use the results to calculation acceleration due to gravity.



====Links==== 
Ticker Timer Free Fall Video - Juddy Productions: 
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📄 Acceleration Due To Gravity - Liacos Educational Media: [[https://www.liacoseducationalmedia.com/Acceleration_Due_To_Gravity_(Ticker_Timers)-Liacos_Educational_Media.pdf]]\\

====Variations====
  *Use different masses to see that g is mass-independent (air resistance permitting).
  *Increase drop height to obtain more intervals and a better line of best fit.
  *Replace with a motion sensor or video tracker and compare g values.



====Safety Precautions====
  *Keep feet clear of the falling mass; use a soft landing pad or catch safely near the floor.
  *Secure the timer so it cannot fall from the bench.
  *Keep fingers away from the moving tape and carbon/disc.
  *If using a mains ticker timer, ensure RCD protection and teacher supervision; switch off before threading tape.
  *Clear the drop zone of obstacles.




====Questions to Consider====
  *What should the speed–time graph look like for free fall without air resistance? (A straight line through or near the origin with positive slope; slope ≈ g.)
  *Why might the best-fit line not pass exactly through the origin? (Start-up friction, first few unclear dots, slack in tape, reaction timing, calibration error.)
  *What do the Speed (interval) values and Acceleration values indicate about falling objects? (Speeds increase by roughly equal amounts each equal time step; acceleration is approximately constant and ≈ g.)
  *If air resistance becomes significant, how would the speed–time graph change? (It would curve, slope decreases over time, approaching terminal speed.)