Determine g using Lato Lato

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.