Final answer:
Sources of error in a free-falling object lab experiment include air resistance, measurement errors, and human reaction time. To improve accuracy, use more precise instruments, perform multiple trials, and eliminate human reaction time errors.
Step-by-step explanation:
When conducting a lab experiment involving a free-falling object, such as the picket fence in this case, there are several sources of error that can affect the accuracy of the results. Some of these sources of error include:
- Air resistance: While it was assumed to be negligible in this experiment, in reality, it can have an impact on the motion of the object. Air resistance can cause the object to fall slower than expected.
- Measurement errors: Errors in measuring the height(A) or the time taken for the object to fall can affect the calculated acceleration. These errors can arise due to limitations in the measuring instruments or the technique used.
- Human reaction time: The time taken by the person releasing the object to react can introduce errors in the timing measurements. The reaction time can vary from person to person and affect the accuracy of the results.
To improve the accuracy of the findings, some of the possible changes in the procedure could include using more precise measurement instruments, performing multiple trials to minimize random errors, and using a mechanism to release the object automatically to eliminate human reaction time errors.