Free Fall and Sound, Lab Report Example

Introduction

While many individuals are aware that the acceleration of objects will remain the same given that the objects have a similar shape, there is currently little understanding of the relationship between the size and shape of an object and the sound it makes as it falls. Ultimately, objects make noise as they fall as a consequence to the wind resistance that attempts to slow the object down as it falls. When there object is moving more quickly and there is greater resistance, it is expected that the noise that is made will be louder. This goal of this experiment is to record the free fall motion of different balls in addition to the sounds caused by their motion. By doing so, the relationship between motion and sound will be determined. I hypothesize that when the balls are falling more quickly and have a greater amount of air resistance, a greater noise will be generated.

Experimental Method

 A total of 12 ball drops were used to measure the relationship between motion and sound. The mass of each ball was measured at the beginning of the experiment. The slope and mean of the fall were calculated following each free fall. Observations regarding the sound made during each fall was also recorded.

Data Analysis and Discussion

While the sound made by the balls were extremely subtle, it was possible to detect a noise as some of them fell. The heavier balls appeared to make a louder noise as they fell, which is likely due to an enhanced wind resistance created by the size of the object. Ultimately, the noise generated could be said to be a consequence of air friction rather than the falling object itself. Objects that are the same mass and size produce approximately the same degree of sound, while lightweight compact objects make little to no sound. Large obtuse objects are likely to make the greatest degree of sound while falling, as they tear through the air in order to reach the ground.

This experiment was completed by creating a free fall from a few feet above the ground, but it is expected that dropping the balls from a greater height would increase the level of sound made as they fall. The acceleration of an object indicates that its velocity will increase over time, and it is therefore likely that objects with higher velocities will rip through the air more quickly. Future experiments can be conducted to demonstrate the validity of this concept.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as the motion of an object increases, its ability to make sound will increase as well. When objects are more obtusely shaped and heavy, they will have a greater tendency to create sound due to the air friction that is opposing its ability to fall. On the other hand, light objects in free fall will make little to no nose. It is likely that objects dropped from greater heights will make more noise, and this hypothesis can be tested in future experiments.