Name:Samara Gustave Grade:9D
Title
Simple pendulum
Aim: to investigate the relationship between
Period (T) and the length (l)
Diagram:Apparatus for Simple Pendulum
Apparatus / material:
metal mass, thread, retort stand, protractor meter rule and pin
Method
1. The apparatus was set-up as shown in the diagram
2.The length of the string was measured to be 0.90m
3.The pendulum was displaced at and angle of 10 degrees
4. The pendulum was released and measured and recorded the time for 10 oscillations
5.Steps 3 to 4 were repeated for the 5 other lengths
6.A graph was plotted of period (T²) against length(l)
Results/Observation
Length/m t₁/s t₂/s Average time/s Period T/s T²/s
0.90m 20.9s 21.5s 21.2s 2.1s 4.4s
0.80m 17.4s 17.8s 17.6s 1.8s 3.2s
0.70m 16.5s 16.9s 16.7s 1.7s 2.9s
0.60m 15.8s 16.2s 16s 1.6s 2.6s
0.50m 14.3s 14.4s 14.4s 1.4s 2s
0.40m 13.5s 13.3s 13.4s 1.3s 1.7s
Note period T= Average /10
Sample calculations.
t ₁+t ₂
Average time =
2
20.9+21.5
2
42.4
= 21.2s
2
Average time
Period =
10
21.2
= 2.12s = 2.1s (1 d.p)
10
T² = T X T
2.1 x 2.1 =4.41s = 4.4s (1 d.p)
t ₁+t ₂
Average time =
2
17.4+17.8
2
35.2
= 17.6s
2
Average time
Period =
10
17.6
= 1.76s = 1.8s (1 d.p)
10
T² = T X T
1.8 x 1.8 = 3.24s = 3.2s (1 d.p)
y₂− y ₁
Gradient- m=
x₂−x ₁
2.5 −1.5
m = 0.4 − 0.3
1
m=
0.1
m=1
Theory: Define the term period with respect to simple pendulum and state the equation of
simple pendulum.
A simple pendulum is an instrument with a fixed support that is suspended from and its point
mass attached to a light, inextensible thread.The time taken by a freely oscillating pendulum to
complete one oscillation is called Time period Its SI unit is second (s) It is numerically
the reciprocal of frequency of oscillations.
Equation of the Simple Pendulum
L
T =2 π √ g
L=L is the length of the pendulum
g = g is the acceleration due to gravity
Discussion :State the precautions and sources of errors and what the gradient represents
Precautions
The bob of the pendulum should be displaced with a small angle.
If fans are near they should be switched off to reduce air resistance
The simple pendulum should oscillate in a vertical direction only.
Sources of errors
Human errors when measuring the period T, using a stopwatch. The reaction time of the
observer plays a significant error when starting the stopwatch and when stopping it.This error
can be minimized by recording 2-3 different times.
Friction between the swinging bob and the surrounding air is another source of error. This can
be minimized by using a heavier bob than a lighter bob.
The arc angle of the pendulum can result in errors, as much as possible small angles must be
used the angle should not exceed 30 degrees.
The gradient of the graph is equal to the acceleration due to gravity.
Conclusion: from the graph state what happens to the period when the length increases.
As the length of the period increases the period also increases and visa versa.
