NAME: Shane Stewart
DATE: 13/02/2024
LAB #: 1
TITLE: The Simple Pendulum
THEORY: A simple pendulum is a heavy mass (called the bob) attached to a light inextensible
string. The period of a simple pendulum is given by the formula:
𝑙
𝑇 = 2ԥ√
𝑔
By squaring both sides of the formula:
𝑙
𝑇 2 = 4ԥ2
𝑔
This can be rewritten in the form
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐
4ԥ2 𝑙
𝑇2 = ∗ +0
1 𝑔
𝑇2 =
4ԥ2
𝐿+0
𝑔
4ԥ2
Thus if we plot a graph of T2 versus L, then the gradient (m) will be and the y-intercept (c)
𝑔
will be zero (0). From the gradient of this graph, we can find a value for acceleration due to
gravity (g):
4ԥ2 4ԥ2
𝑚= →𝑔=
𝑔 𝑚
AIM: To investigate the relationship between the length and the period of a simple pendulum.
APPARATUS/MATERIALS:
• String
• Pendulum bob
• Stand or support
• Stopwatch
• Ruler
• Protractor
• Protective equipment
DIAGRAM:
DIAGRAM SHOWING SETUP OF SIMPLE PENDULUM
VARIABLES:
Independent/Manipulated variable:
i.) Length of string
Dependent/Responding variable:
i.) Period of the simple pendulum
Controlled variable:
i.) Mass of the pendulum bob
ii.) Angle of displacement
METHOD:
1. The mass (bob) was attached to the end of the string.
2. The string was measured to have a length of 50cm (0.50m), and it was then tied onto the
clamp of the retort stand. The string length was adjusted if necessary to ensure it had a
length of 50cm.
3. The mass (bob) was dragged to position the string at an angle of 30 degrees.
4. The mass was released, and the stopwatch was started simultaneously.
5. The time taken for the pendulum to complete ten (10) oscillations was recorded.
6. Steps 3 to 5 were repeated two more times for the same length of 50cm.
7. Steps 2 to 5 were repeated for the other lengths stated in the table below.
RESULTS:
TABLE SHOWING TIME TAKEN FOR 10 OSCILLATIONS TO TAKE PLACE FROM
3 ATTEMPTS
Length Time taken for (10) oscillations (s) The time Period
(m) Attempt Attempt Attempt Average taken for one squared
1 2 3 oscillation(the [(T2)/s2 ]
period T)/s
0.10 6.57 6.37 6.10 6.35 0.635 0.403
0.15 8.41 8.08 8.60 8.36 0.777 0.604
0.20 9.99 9.39 9.02 9.47 0.898 0.805
0.25 11.56 10.11 11.11 10.93 1.003 1.006
0.30 11.35 10.09 10.93 10.79 1.099 1.207
0.35 11.88 11.73 11.86 11.83 1.187 1.409
0.40 12.90 12.70 12.91 12.84 1.269 1.610
0.45 13.47 12.93 13.05 13.15 1.346 1.811
0.50 12.68 13.44 13.65 13.26 1.419 2.012
Calculations:
T2 = 4𝜋2 L/g
• For 0.10
4𝜋 2 (0.10𝑚)
= 9.81𝑚𝑠 −2
=0.403s2
• For 0.15
4𝜋 2 (0.15𝑚)
= 9.81𝑚𝑠 −2
= 0.604s2
• For 0.20
4𝜋 2 (0.20𝑚)
= 9.81𝑚𝑠 −2
=0.805s2
• For 0.25
4𝜋 2 (0.25𝑚)
= 9.81𝑚𝑠 −2
= 1.006s2
• For 0.30
4𝜋 2 (0.30𝑚)
= 9.81𝑚𝑠 −2
= 1.207s2
• For 0.35
4𝜋 2 (0.35𝑚)
= 9.81𝑚𝑠 −2
= 1.409s2
• For 0.40
4𝜋 2 (0.40𝑚)
= 9.81𝑚𝑠 −2
=1.610s2
• For 0.45
4𝜋 2 (0.45𝑚)
= 9.81𝑚𝑠 −2
= 1.811s2
• For 0.50
4𝜋 2 (0.50𝑚)
= 9.81𝑚𝑠 −2
= 2.012s2
To find the gradient (slope) of a graph passing through two points, you can use the formula:
𝑌2−𝑌1
Gradient = 𝑋2−𝑋1
Given the points (0.1, 0.403) and (0.5, 2.012):
2.012 − 0.403
0.50 − 0.10
Now we can calculate the gradient:
Gradient = 4.0225
Now, finding the acceleration of the simple pendulum:
4𝜋 2
𝑔=
4.0225
39.4384
=
4.0225
=9.8 m/s2
DISCUSSION:
Individual pendulums depend on a single object suspended on a string or rod from an unmovable
point. The pendulum moves with periodic oscillations back and forth because of gravitational
forces after displacement.
During the experiment researchers measured pendulums with different length strings by
recording the time for specific oscillation cycles (periods). All recorded data showed a definitive
connection between pendulum length and measurement duration. The length of pendulum string
extension led directly to the period extension. The experimental findings match the principles
that regulate pendulum motion and simple harmonic motion.
The period of a pendulum depends on the effects between gravitational acceleration and the
restoring force which acts when the pendulum is in motion. Two key elements determine the
time duration of a simple pendulum: its length and also the gravitational acceleration value (g). A
pendulum with longer length creates an increased distance that the bob travels before completing
one cycle. Due to the stretched movement the pendulum needs increased time to finish one cycle
which results in a longer period duration. The mathematical definition shows that these two
variables relate through this equation:
The period T depends on the pendulum length L together with the acceleration due to gravity
parameter g.
The relationship between period and length intensity holds remarkable importance in its
proportional association with the square root of length dimensions. Basing the period on the
square root of length demonstrates that pendulum period growth occurs more slowly than length
does. When the pendulum length gets doubled the resulting period increase will be greater than a
mere doubling.
LIMITATIONS:
The results of the period may be affected by air resistance.
The friction acting on the string pivot point could decrease the experimental precision.
PRECAUTION:
Three trial attempts served to achieve more precise results which were documented.
The measurement of string length was performed with precision before the researchers cut it for
appropriate data collection.
SOURCES OF ERROR:
The instrument setup received a direct hit which interrupted pendulum motion movement.
CONCLUSION:
The investigation proved that the length variation of a simple pendulum directly affects its
period.
REFERENCES:
- Admin. (2023, August 23). Simple pendulum - time period, derivation, and physical
pendulum. BYJUS. [Link]
- Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2024, April 5). pendulum. Encyclopedia
Britannica. [Link]
- Simple pendulum review (article) | Khan Academy. (n.d.). Khan Academy.
[Link]
oscillations/in-in-simple-pendulums/a/simple-pendulum-ap1
