NIOS Class 10 Science Activity 11.1 Gravitation

This activity explains how the height from which an object is dropped affects its speed.

We can see many incidents around us in which force affects the motion and shape of things.

 This activity provides you with a complete explanation and a conclusion.

 

NIOS Class 10 Science and Technology (212) Project File

This activity is based on the NIOS Class 10 science and technology (212) Chapter 11- Gravitation, Module 3- Moving Things.

Effect of Height on the Speed of a Falling Object

Aim

To observe and compare the speed of a falling stone from two different heights.

Materials Required

   1.  A small stone

   2. Measuring tap/scale

Procedure

We hold a small stone at a height of about 1 metre above a plane surface(ground) and release it without giving any push.

We observe its speed just before it touches the ground.

 Next, we take the same stone at a height of 5 metres and drop it without giving push and observe its speed just before it reaches the ground.

 Finally, we compare the speed in both cases.

Observation

We observe that the stone accelerates as it falls. The stone dropped from 5 meters strikes the ground faster and with greater speed compared to when it is dropped from 1 metre.

Explanation

The stone is accelerated toward the ground due to gravitational force (attraction force due to gravity). When it is dropped from greater height, it has more time to accelerate and so it gains more speed.

Conclusion

We can conclude that:

   1. The object dropped from a great height has a greater speed.

   2. Gravity is responsible for the acceleration of falling objects.

   Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Why does the stone from 5 metres fall faster than from 1 metre?

Answer – It has more time to accelerate under gravity, so its speed increases.

   2. Does the mass of the stone affect its speed of fall?

Answer – No, the mass of the object does not affect in a vacuum or absence of air resistance.

    3. What is the value of acceleration due to gravity on the Earth?

Answer – 9.8 m/s²

   4. Who discovered the concept the of gravitation force?

Answer – Sir Isaac Newton