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Pendulum Experiment Report

The pendulum experiment investigates the relationship between pendulum length and period, aiming to determine gravitational acceleration and verify the independence of period from mass and amplitude. The theoretical period is expressed as T = 2π √(L/g), and the experiment involves measuring oscillation times for various lengths. Results confirm the proportionality of period to the square root of length and provide an experimental value for gravitational acceleration close to the accepted value.

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2 views3 pages

Pendulum Experiment Report

The pendulum experiment investigates the relationship between pendulum length and period, aiming to determine gravitational acceleration and verify the independence of period from mass and amplitude. The theoretical period is expressed as T = 2π √(L/g), and the experiment involves measuring oscillation times for various lengths. Results confirm the proportionality of period to the square root of length and provide an experimental value for gravitational acceleration close to the accepted value.

Uploaded by

hwhwhwt2
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Pendulum Experiment in Physics: An In-

Depth Report
1. Introduction
The pendulum experiment is a classic investigation in physics used to explore simple
harmonic motion (SHM), gravitational acceleration, and periodic motion. This experiment
involves observing and analyzing the oscillations of a simple pendulum to understand the
factors that affect its period and to derive or verify physical laws.

2. Objective
- To investigate the relationship between the length of a pendulum and its period.
- To determine the value of the acceleration due to gravity (g) using a simple pendulum.
- To verify the independence of the pendulum's period from mass and amplitude (for small
angles).

3. Theory and Background


A simple pendulum consists of a small, dense bob suspended from a fixed point by a
lightweight, inextensible string. When displaced from its equilibrium position and released,
the pendulum swings back and forth under the influence of gravity.

The theoretical period T (time for one complete oscillation) of a simple pendulum for small
angles θ < 15° is given by:

T = 2π √(L/g)

Where:
- T: Period (seconds)
- L: Length of the pendulum (meters)
- g: Acceleration due to gravity (≈ 9.81 m/s²)

4. Apparatus and Materials


- Retort stand and clamp
- String (light, inextensible)
- Metal bob
- Stopwatch
- Ruler or meter scale
- Protractor
5. Experimental Procedure
1. Secure the string to the retort stand.
2. Attach the bob to the end of the string.
3. Measure and record the length L from the point of suspension to the center of mass of the
bob.
4. Displace the pendulum by a small angle (≤ 10°) and release it without pushing.
5. Use a stopwatch to time 20 complete oscillations and record the total time.
6. Repeat three times for each length and calculate the average time for one oscillation.
7. Vary the length of the pendulum in increments (e.g., 40 cm, 50 cm, 60 cm, etc.) and repeat
the measurements.

6. Sample Data Table


Length L (m) Time for 20 Average Time Period T (s) T^2 (s²)
Oscillations (s) (s)

0.4 25.4 25.3 1.27 1.61

0.5 28.4 28.3 1.42 2.02

0.6 31.0 31.1 1.56 2.43

0.7 33.5 33.6 1.68 2.82

0.8 35.9 36.0 1.8 3.24

7. Data Analysis
Plot T² on the y-axis against L on the x-axis. The graph should be a straight line with a slope
equal to 4π²/g.
From the slope m of the T² vs L graph:
m = T² / L = 4π² / g ⇒ g = 4π² / m
Example:
If slope m = 4.05 s²/m, then:
g = 4π² / 4.05 ≈ 9.75 m/s²
This is close to the accepted value of 9.81 m/s².
8. Error Analysis
Sources of Error:
- Human reaction time during stopwatch measurements.
- Inaccuracy in measuring the length from the pivot to the bob’s center.
- Swinging beyond the small-angle approximation limit.
- Air resistance and friction at the pivot.

Improvements:
- Use electronic timing gates.
- Repeat trials and take the average.
- Ensure small and consistent swing angles.
- Use a rigid support to minimize vibrations.

9. Conclusion
The experiment confirms that:
- The period T is directly proportional to the square root of the length L.
- The period is independent of mass and amplitude (for small angles).
- The experimental value of gravitational acceleration g can be accurately determined using
a simple pendulum setup.
The pendulum remains an elegant and instructive demonstration of periodic motion in
classical mechanics.

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