In an experiment where a student is measuring the time it takes for different balls to hit the ground, several sources of error could affect the accuracy and reliability of the results. The most likely sources of error include:
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Human Reaction Time: If the student is using a stopwatch or manual timing method to measure the time, their reaction time in starting and stopping the timer can introduce significant variability in the measurements.
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Air Resistance: Different balls may have different shapes, sizes, and surface textures, which can result in varying degrees of air resistance. This could affect how long it takes each ball to fall, especially if the balls are lightweight or have large surface areas.
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Initial Release Point: If the student does not release the balls from the exact same height or if they apply different forces when dropping them, this could lead to variations in the time measurements.
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Timing Method: If the student is not using precise timing equipment (like an electronic timer), inaccuracies could arise from the method chosen to record the fall time.
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Environmental Factors: Winds, drafts, or other environmental conditions may impact the fall time of the balls if they are not dropped in a controlled environment.
By addressing these potential sources of error, the student can improve the accuracy of her experiment and the reliability of the results.