DATE: October 9, 2023
NAME: Taaboja Brown
EXPERIMENT NUMBER 2
TITLE: SIMPLE PENDULUM
SKILLS ASSESSED:
ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
MANIPULATION AND MEASUREMENT
AIM:
To investigate the relationship between the length and period of a simple pendulum
and use it to find acceleration due to gravity at a point.
APPARATUS: Clamp stand, a piece of string about 1 metre long, small metal ball ( bob)
stop watch, metre rule.
Variables:
Manipulated: Length, L, of Pendulum,
Responding: Time period squared, T2 of pendulum
THEORY:
A simple pendulum is an instrument which consists of a light and extensible string and
metal ball called a bob at one end. The length of the pendulum l is the distance from the
point of support to the centre of the bob.
The time period (T) is the time taken for one complete oscillation. One oscillation is from
the rest position to one extreme, back to the rest position, to the other extreme, back to
the rest position.
The time period of a simple pendulum is directly proportional to the length. Hence they
are related by the formula
g = acceleration due to gravity
L= length of the pendulum
T = time period
Acceleration due to gravity is the force caused by the gravitational pull of the earth. The
value of acceleration due to gravity (g) on earth is estimated to be about 10kg/N
DIAGRAM:
PROCEDURE:
1. A metre ruler was used to measure a length of 40cm from a 1m string, with the
bob at one end.
2. The measured length of string was tied securely to the clamp stand allowing it to
suspend.
3. The string with the metal bob at one end was allowed to swing freely before
taking the time for 10 oscillations using a stopwatch. The time for another 10
oscillations was taken and the average found.
4. Step 1-3 were repeated using 50cm, 60cm, 70 cm, 80cm and 90 cm of the 1m
string
5. A graph of T2 against L was plotted.
RESULTS:
Time taken for 10
Length, L oscillations/seconds s Period T Period2 T2
in meters in in L/T2
Trial 1 Trial 2 Avg seconds second2
0.4 13.03 12.87 12.95 1.295 1.677 0.239
0.5 14.53 14.59 14.56 1.456 2.120 0.236
0.6 15.93 15.78 15.86 1.586 2.515 0.239
0.7 17.00 17.03 17.02 1.702 2.897 0.242
0.8 18.16 18.15 18.16 1.816 3.298 0.243
0.9 19.16 19.28 19.22 1.922 3.694 0.244
Average value of L/T2 0.241
QUESTIONS:
1. State the relationship between T2 and L.
2. Find the gradient (S)
The gradient, S, is 4 s²m⁻¹. (Please see graph for working)
3. Calculate 1/S (same as L/T2)
1/S, the acceleration of the pendulum, or L/T², is 0.25 ms⁻²
4. Given that gravity g=4π2 (L/T2), use average value of L/T2 to find g
g= 4π2 (L/T2)
= 4(3.14)2 (0.241 ms⁻²)
= 4(9.8596) (0.241 ms⁻²)
= (39.4384) (0.241 ms⁻²)
≈ 9.50 ms⁻²
≈ 9.50 N
5. Given that gravity g=4π2/ gradient, find g
g= 4π2 / gradient
= 4π2 / (4 s²m⁻¹)
= 4(3.14)² / (4 s²m⁻¹)
= 4(9.8596) / (4 s²m⁻¹)
= (39.4384) / (4 s²m⁻¹)
≈ 9.86 ms⁻²
≈ 9.86 N
SOURCES OF ERROR:
● Parallax Error: When reading the measurement of the length of the
pendulum, due to non-vertical positioning, the incorrect reading could
have been taken.
● Timing Error: When starting or stopping the stopwatch to record the time
taken for the pendulum to complete one oscillation, there could have been
a delay in the time, resulting in an incorrect reading.
PRECAUTIONS:
● Repetitive Measurements: Repetitive measurements were taken then
average to reduce the error in calculation.
● Proper Instrument Usage: The instruments used to conduct the
experiment were properly used to reduce the chance of errors in
calculation.
CONCLUSION:
The length of a pendulum, L, and the time taken to complete one oscillation
squared, T², share a vital relationship. From this experiment it has been observed
that as the length of the pendulum is increased, the time which it takes to
complete one oscillation also increases. This law has been inferred from the data
on both the table and the graph.
SKILLS ASSESSED: ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
CRITERIA ASSESSED Marks
1. Proper conclusion of the relationship between the two variables of the graph. /1
2. Accurate calculation of the slope (gradient) from T2 vs L graph with proper
unit.. /2
● State gradient equation (1 mark)
● Final answer with correct unit (1 mark)
3. Calculation of the value of 1/gradient and invert unit /1
4. Correct calculation of average value of L/T2 /2
5. Calculated value of g using the formula g=4π2 (L/T2) /2
6. Calculated value of g using the formula g=4π2/ gradient /2
TOTAL /10
SKILLS ASSESSED: MANIPULATION AND MEASUREMENT
CRITERIA ASSESSED Marks
1. Measures the length of the pendulum from its point of suspension to the /2
centre of the bob.
2. Minimizes gap error by placing meter ruler close to the string and bob. /2
3. Uses the countdown method when measuring the time taken for 10 /1
oscillations.
4. Displaces the pendulum to an angle not exceeding 10 degrees. /1
5. Ensures that the pendulum is free to swing unobstructed. /1
6. Two trials done per length of pendulum. /2
7. Minimize human error by allowing 1 person to operate stopwatch /1
TOTAL /10
