Physics
Name: ________________________
Teacher: ___________________________
Date: ________________________
Gravity Laboratory
CONTEXT:
Physicists can experimentally determine the gravitational constant “g”.
CHALLENGE:
Work in small groups to determine to the gravitational constant “g”
RESOURCE TABLE:
Newton Scale Stand
0 – 20 N Scale
Mass Set
Lap Top Computers
Microsoft Excel
NOTES AND INVESTIGATION:

Determine the gravitational constant “g” in m s 2 using the supplied apparatus
as shown below.
BACKGROUND: The slope of a Weight vs. Mass curve is the gravitational constant “g”
Weight (N)
kgm
 2
weight N
s  m g



mass
kg
kg
s2
Mass (kg)
DATA TABLE AND CALCULATIONS:
Mass (kg)
0.050
0.100
0.200
0.250
0.350
0.400
0.500
0.550
0.600
0.700
0.750
0.850
0.900
0.950
1.000
Weight (N)
GRAPHING DATA
Using Microsoft Excel plot and graph your data and determine the slope of the
resultant line. Attach the graph to this page and turn in next class.
ANALYSIS
Determine the gravitational Constant “g” and write your value in the box