Spotlight on Science: Investigating Gravity

Our Year 11 Physics students recently put theory into practice by measuring the acceleration due to gravity using smart carts, pulleys and hanging masses. After completing a preliminary experiment using wooden blocks, students refined their experimental design by transitioning to low friction carts to improve the reliability of their results.

By creating a controlled system where a cart was pulled along a track by a suspended mass, students collected real time motion data using sensors. They carefully modified their setup to minimise the effects of friction—such as levelling the track, improving pulley alignment and selecting appropriate masses—to optimise the quality of their data. Students then analysed how force and mass affect acceleration and used their results to calculate a value for g, developing both their experimental technique and confidence in scientific analysis.