Determine g using Lato Lato

Abstract

Abstract We demonstrated the measurement of the Earth’s gravitational acceleration ( g ) by using Lato Lato, a popular children’s toy in Indonesia right now. We compared the obtained results with the value of the measured gravitational acceleration using a simple pendulum. The smart phone was used to record the videos of the experiment, and then we analysed the video to obtain the deviation angle (ϑ) and duration of the pendulum movement (t) of Lato Lato to determine g . The value obtained from the measurement using Lato Lato is ( 9.776 ± 0.007 ) m s−2, while 9.774 ± 0.048 m s−2 is obtained by using a simple pendulum. It shows that the accuracy levels of the two techniques are comparable. Therefore, Lato Lato can be used as a simple and low-cost experimental tool for measuring the acceleration due to gravity. It is supposed to become an addition to methods that are commonly used, such as a simple pendulum and a physical pendulum.