Acceleration is independent of masses in Gravitation – Class 9 Science Experiment

Chapter Name: Gravitation

Activity Name: Acceleration is independent of masses in Gravitation

Activity Description:

In this experiment, we will investigate the effect of mass on the acceleration of falling objects due to gravity. A small paper will be placed on top of a book, and both will be released from a certain height above the ground. We will observe the motion of the book and paper during their fall and compare the results when they are dropped separately.

Required Items:

• A book
• A small piece of paper

Step by Step Procedure:

1. Place the small piece of paper on top of the book.
2. Find a suitable location with enough vertical space to perform the experiment safely.
3. Hold the book and paper combination at a certain height above the ground.
4. Release the book with the paper simultaneously from that height.

Experiment Observations:

• When the book and paper are released together, they fall towards the ground.
• Both the book and paper experience the same acceleration due to gravity during their fall.

Now drop the book and paper separately, what happens?

1. Drop the book separately from the same height as before.
2. Observe the motion of the book during its fall.
3. Repeat the process with the paper alone and observe its fall.

Precautions:

1. Ensure that the experiment is conducted in a safe environment to avoid accidents.
2. Choose a location with enough vertical space to allow the objects to fall freely without any obstruction.
3. Handle the book and paper carefully to prevent any damage.

Lesson Learnt from Experiment:

The experiment demonstrates that in a free fall, the acceleration due to gravity is independent of the mass of the falling object. Both the book and the paper experience the same acceleration while falling, indicating that gravitational acceleration is a constant value regardless of the mass of the object.