A light electronic sensor records the velocity of a falling object at regular time intervals, giving the following dataset:
Time t (s): 0.0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6
Velocity v (m s⁻¹): 0.0, 3.9, 7.8, 11.6, 15.5
(i) Plot a velocity–time graph of the motion on graph paper.
(ii) From the best-fit straight line through the plotted points, determine the slope and hence obtain a value for the acceleration due to gravity.
(iii) Calculate the percentage error of your experimental value when compared with 9.8 m s⁻².
(iv) Suggest one modification in the experimental set-up that could reduce the percentage error obtained.