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Basic Idea:

• Students will get a visual representation of the acceleration of a falling object.

• 1 (shared by the class)

What:	How Many:	Where:
Spark Timer (see Notes below for wiring diagram).	1	Majors storeroom, shelf Q4
Spark "gizmo"; roll of spark tape (should be in a small box near spark timer)	1	Majors storeroom, shelf Q4
100 gram mass	1 per person	non-Majors storeroom, shelf D3
Meter sticks	1 per person	non-Majors storeroom, shelf AA2
Right angle clamp, large bench clamp (to secure metal channel to table)	1 each	non-Majors storeroom, shelf C3
Short metal rods (to secure metal channel to table)	2	non-Majors storeroom, shelf A3
Rub-on glue sticks; scissors; roll of masking tape	As many as we have	non-Majors storeroom, shelf AA3

Computers Needed?

• Yes.

• The shelves in the Majors storeroom are color coded: the right side is gold, the left side red.

• The spark timer is set up on the front lab bench.

• Each student will collect their own data.

• Be sure the spark source is set to standby before turning the power on (might blow the fuse if not in standby mode).

• Spark tape is attached to mass using masking tape. Try to hold the spark tape straight up to prevent dragging in the metal channel as the mass falls. A stool is needed so that "vertically challenged" students may hold the tape properly.

• Connection of spark source:
  

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• Clamping metal channel to lab bench:
  

©	St. Lawrence University	Department of Physics

Revised: 13 Feb 2004

Canton, NY 13617