Lab #1 Date: Title: Acceleration due to gravity
Aim: To determine the acceleration due to gravity using simple pendulum
Skills assessed: Analysis and Interpretation
Apparatus and materials:
Pendulum bob
String
Retort stand and clamp
Optical pin Metre rule Stop clock
Diagram:
DIAGRAM 1 SHOWING APPARATUS WAS SET UP FOR EXPERIMENT
Theory:
If the length of the pendulum is l and g is the acceleration due to gravity where the pendulum is
used then the time taken for one oscillation is;
T=2π√����
Procedure: [Convert to past tense]
1) Hang the pendulum bob from one end of a 100cm length of thread and the other end
clamped firmly between two wooden blocks.
2) Allow the bob to dangle over the edge of the table.
3) Displace the pendulum bob and release it.
4) Using the 3-2-1-0 method of countdown determine the time for twenty swings.
5) Repeat for another twenty swings.
6) Repeat the above procedure for different values of l.
Results: TABLE 1 SHOWING TIMES RECORDED FOR 20 SWINGS OF EACH LENGTH AND
CALCULATIONS FOR PERIODIC TIME AND THE SQUARE OF PERIODIC TIME.
Length/m Time for 20 swings
1/s 2/s 3/s Average/s Periodic T2/s2
time/s
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.35
0.40
0.45
0.50
0.55
0.60
0.65
0.70
0.75
0.80
0.85
0.90
0.95
1.00
Treatment of Results:
*Plot a graph (Graph 1) of l/m against T2/s2 (length on x axis and T2 on y axis)
Calculations:
Point A: ___________________ and Point B: ____________________________
Gradient of graph=��2−��1
��2−��1=
T=2π√����
2��
T2= 4π ��
Therefore Gradient = 4 ��²
��������������
Hence Gravity = ����������������
4 ��²=
Discussion:
1)What is the relationship between l and T?
Precautions:
1)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sources of error:
1)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Reflection:
-What did you learn in this experiment?
-How does the knowledge gain in this experiment impact society and everyday lives?
-How can the experiment be improved?
Conclusion:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Analysis and Interpretation: Marks allocated: Marks awarded:
Large triangle number of significant figures.
Calculation for gradient correct
Accurate read off from graph to the appropriate
Appropriate significant for gradient
Correct unit for gradient
Calculated values derived correctly (T, T2)
Unavoidable sources of error Relationship
between l and T Total
10
