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Lab Report (3)

The objective of the experiment is to determine the local acceleration due to gravity (g) by measuring the period of a simple pendulum. The average calculated value of g is approximately 9.71 m/s², which is close to the standard value of 9.81 m/s², taking into account experimental uncertainties. The document also discusses potential sources of error and suggestions for improvements in the experiment.

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25 views3 pages

Lab Report (3)

The objective of the experiment is to determine the local acceleration due to gravity (g) by measuring the period of a simple pendulum. The average calculated value of g is approximately 9.71 m/s², which is close to the standard value of 9.81 m/s², taking into account experimental uncertainties. The document also discusses potential sources of error and suggestions for improvements in the experiment.

Uploaded by

mesfinty2008
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Objective:

To determine the local acceleration due to gravity (g) by measuring the period of a simple
pendulum.

Introduction:

A simple pendulum consists of a mass (bob) attached to a string or rod of fixed length. When
displaced from its equilibrium position and released, it swings back and forth under the influence
of gravity. The period (T) of a pendulum, which is the time taken for one complete oscillation,
depends on the length (L) of the string and the local acceleration due to gravity (g). The
relationship is given by the formula:

T=2π
√ L
g

Materials:

 A string or rod
 A small, heavy bob (e.g., a metal ball)
 A stopwatch
 A meter ruler
 A protractor (optional, for measuring angles)
 A stand or support to suspend the pendulum

Procedure:

1. Set Up the Pendulum:


o Attach the bob to one end of the string and secure the other end to a stand or
support, ensuring the string is of known length (L).
2. Measure the Length:
o Measure the length of the string from the point of suspension to the center of the
bob using the meter ruler.
3. Displace and Release:
o Displace the bob by a small angle (less than 15 degrees) from the vertical to
ensure simple harmonic motion.
o Release the bob and start the stopwatch simultaneously as it passes through the
equilibrium position.
4. Record the Period:
o Measure the time for 10 complete oscillations and record the value.
o Repeat the measurement three times to obtain an average value for accuracy.
5. Calculate the Period:
o Calculate the period (T) of one oscillation by dividing the total time by 10.
Data

Data Table 2.1 Measurement of g using simple pendulum

Numbers of Time t for 10 Length Time t for each 2 2


T (S ) m g-ģ 2
( g − ģ)
Trials Oscillation (cm) oscillation(s) g( 2) m 2
s ( m
2) ( 2)
s s
1 18.58 80 1.86 3.46 9.11 -0.89 0.79

2 19.27 90 1.93 3.72 9.54 -0.46 0,21

3 19.90 100 1.99 3.96 9.90 -0.1 0.01

4 20.60 110 2.08 4.24 10.23 0.23 0.05

5 22 120 2.20 4.84 9.77 -0.23 0.05


Average 100 2.012 4.032064

Calculations:

Using the formula for the period of a simple pendulum:

T=2π
√ L
g

Rearrange to solve for g:


2
4π L
g= T 2
Substitute the average values:

~9.71
2
4 π ×1
g=
4.032064

Conclusion:

The local acceleration due to gravity (g) determined using the simple pendulum is approximately
9.71 m/s². The value is close to the standard acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²), considering
experimental uncertainties.
Discussion:

 Sources of Error: Measurement inaccuracies in the length of the string and the timing of
oscillations.
 Improvements: Using more precise timing methods, ensuring minimal air resistance, and
maintaining small angular displacements.

References:

 Our physics module or other sources related to the theory of pendulums and gravity.

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