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ABSTRACT

This experiment aimed to investigate the relationship between the period of a simple pendulum
and the length of its string. The period of oscillation, defined as the time taken for the pendulum
to complete one full swing, was the main variable measured. The objective was to understand how
this period changes as the length of the string is varied. The apparatus used in the experiment
included a retort stand, a pendulum bob, a cotton thread, a stopwatch, and a meter rule. The
pendulum was displaced to a small angle to ensure that it underwent simple harmonic motion, and
the time for 10 complete oscillations was recorded for five different string lengths: 1.0 m, 0.8 m,
0.6 m, 0.4 m, and 0.2 m. The period (T) for each length was calculated by dividing the time for 10
oscillations by 10. The theoretical formula for the period of a simple pendulum is given by: T =
2π √(L / g) Where: - T is the period of oscillation - L is the length of the string, - g is the acceleration
due to gravity (9.8 m/s²). The data collected showed that as the length of the string decreased, the
period also decreased, following the predicted trend. Logarithmic values of the period and string
length were plotted, revealing a linear relationship between log(T) and log(L). The slope of the
resulting graph was approximately 0.5, which confirmed that the period of a simple pendulum is
proportional to the square root of its length. This experimental result supported the theoretical
prediction and demonstrated the accuracy of the simple harmonic motion model. Experimental
errors such as timing inaccuracies and slight variations in the release angle were considered.
Suggestions for future experiments include using more accurate timing methods, such as electronic
timers or photogates, and repeating the trials to improve accuracy.

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 INTRODUCTION

The motion of a pendulum is a classical example of simple harmonic motion, a key concept in
physics that describes oscillatory systems. The period of a simple pendulum is defined as the time
taken for the pendulum to complete one full cycle of motion. It has been known for centuries that
the period of a pendulum depends on two main factors: the length of the string and the acceleration
due to gravity. The aim of this experiment was to investigate how the length of the pendulum
affects the period of oscillation, and to confirm the theoretical relationship between the period and
the string length. Theoretical studies of the simple pendulum show that the period (T) is
proportional to the square root of the length (L) of the string, with the relationship given by the
equation:

T = 2π √(L / g)

Where:

- T is the period,

- L is the length of the string,

- g is the acceleration due to gravity.

In this experiment, five different lengths of string (1.0 m, 0.8 m, 0.6 m, 0.4 m, and 0.2 m) were
used, and the period of oscillation was measured for each length. By measuring the time taken for
10 complete oscillations, the period was determined, and the relationship between the period and
the string length was analyzed. To improve accuracy, logarithmic transformations were applied to
both the period and length, which allowed for a more detailed analysis of the data.

This experiment is significant because it helps to validate the theoretical model of pendulum
motion and provides insight into the principles of oscillatory motion. The results of this experiment
can also be compared with previous studies of pendulum behavior, allowing for a deeper
understanding of the factors that influence the period of oscillation. Furthermore, the experiment
serves as a practical demonstration of the principles of simple harmonic motion in real-world
settings.

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 THEORY

The motion of a simple pendulum is an example of simple harmonic motion (SHM), which is
periodic in nature, and its behavior can be described using basic principles of physics. In this type
of motion, the restoring force is proportional to the displacement, and for small oscillations, the
period ( T ) of a simple pendulum depends on the length ( L) of the string and the gravitational
acceleration ( g ).

The period ( T ) of a simple pendulum can be derived from the forces acting on the pendulum bob.
The restoring force is given by:

Restoring (F) = -mg sin(θ)

Where:

- ( m ) is the mass of the bob,

- ( g ) is the acceleration due to gravity,

- ( θ ) is the angle of displacement from the vertical.

For small displacements, we assume that \( sin(θ) ≈ θ \), so the restoring force becomes:

Restoring (F) ≈ -mg θ

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This restoring force leads to angular acceleration, which can be expressed using the rotational
version of Newton’s second law:

I α = F_restoring r

Where:

- ( I ) is the moment of inertia of the pendulum,

- ( α ) is the angular acceleration,

- ( r ) is the length of the string.

For a simple pendulum, the moment of inertia ( I) is:

I = m r²

Substituting this into the previous equation, we get:

m r² (d²θ/dt²) = -mg θ

This simplifies to the differential equation:

d²θ/dt² + (g/r) * θ = 0

This is a second-order linear differential equation that describes simple harmonic motion. The
solution to this equation is:

θ(t) = θ₀ cos(ωt + φ)

Where:

- (ω) is the angular frequency,

- ( θ₀ ) and ( φ ) are constants based on the initial conditions.

The angular frequency ( ω) is related to the period \( T \) by:

ω = 2π / T

Substituting this into the equation, we get the formula for the period \( T \) of a simple pendulum:

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 T = 2π √(L / g)

Where:

- ( T \) is the period of the pendulum,

- ( L \) is the length of the string,

- ( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s²).

This equation shows that the period of a pendulum is proportional to the square root of the length
of the string, meaning that a longer pendulum takes more time to complete one full oscillation.
The period does not depend on the mass of the pendulum bob but only on the length of the string
and the gravitational acceleration.

To better analyze the data, a logarithmic transformation of the equation can be applied. Taking the
natural logarithm of both sides of the equation for the period:

log(T) = 0.5 log(L) + log(2π) - 0.5 log(g)

This equation shows that a plot of ( log(T) ) versus ( log(L) ) should yield a straight line with a
slope of 0.5, confirming that the period is proportional to the square root of the length.

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 METHODOLOGY

S/N Name of Apparatus Picture Uses

1 Stopwatch/Clock To measure the time

taken for 10 complete
oscillations of the
pendulum.

2 Pendulum Bob A small mass (metal

or similar material)
tied to the string to act
as the pendulum.

4 Cotton Thread (110 cm To suspend the

long pendulum bob, with
adjustable lengths for
different trials.

5 Metre Rule To measure the length

of the string for each
trial

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 6 Retort Stand: To hold the pendulum
bob securely.

Procedure:

1. Setting up the Pendulum: The retort stand was set up securely on a flat surface, ensuring that
the clamp could hold the string vertically. The string was securely tied to the pendulum bob, and
the length of the string \( L \) was adjusted using the metre rule. The initial displacement angle
was kept small (less than 15 degrees) to ensure the motion followed simple harmonic motion
conditions.

2. Displacement and Release: The pendulum bob was displaced from the equilibrium position by
a small angle and released without applying any additional force. The release was done carefully
to prevent any external force or motion that could interfere with the natural oscillation of the
pendulum.

3. Measuring the Time for Oscillations: A stopwatch was used to measure the time taken for the
pendulum to complete 10 full oscillations (a complete back and forth motion). The time for 10
oscillations, denoted as \( t \), was recorded for each string length. This measurement was repeated
three times for accuracy, and the average time for 10 oscillations was calculated.

4. Calculating the Period: The period of a single oscillation ( T) was calculated by dividing the
average time ( t) for 10 oscillations by 10: T = t / 10. This calculation was repeated for different
string lengths:

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5. Logarithmic Transformation: The logarithmic values of the period ( log(T)) and the length
( log(L) ) were computed for each measurement. The transformation helped to linearize the
relationship between ( T ) and ( L \), making it easier to analyze the data.

6. Recording the Results:

DATA ANALYSIS

i. THE DIAGRAM THAT SHOE SET UP OF AN EXPERIMENT

iv. Given Approximate Law. From the experiment, the relationship between the
period (T) and the length (L) of the pendulum is given as:

𝑇 ∝ 𝐿𝑚

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 where:

- T is the time period of the pendulum

- L is the length of the thread

- k and m are constants to be determined

Applying Logarithm to Both Sides

Taking the logarithm (base 10) on both sides:

log T = log (k 𝐿𝑚 )

Using the logarithm identity Log (a b) = log a + log b, we get:

log T = log k + log (𝐿𝑚 )

Using the logarithm power rule , we obtain:

log T = log k + m log L

Comparing with the Straight-Line Equation y = mx + c

Comparing this with our derived equation:

log T = m log L + log k

From slope calculated

𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑖𝑛 log 𝑇
Slope = 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑖𝑛 log 𝐿

0.288−0.096
Slope = −0.0699+0.46134

Gradient m = 0.49 sec/m

Log T which is y-intercept is equally to the log K

Intercept log k = log T = 0.32sec

Thus, our equation becomes:

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 log T = 0.49 log L + 0.32

The value of m and k become 0.49sec/m and 0.32 respectively

0.49
v. The value of m and k in form of a/b become 0.32 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑖𝑠 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑡𝑜 1.53m−1

vi. This equation describes the relationship between the period (T) and the length
(L) of the pendulum in this experiment.

In order to determine the relationship between T and L experimentally, we can express the period
as a power law:

T = k Lᵐ

where k is a constant, and m is the exponent that we can determine from experimental data. By
plotting log(T) against log(L), we can obtain the slope m, which should theoretically be 0.5 based
on the derived equation.

Thus, the period T of the pendulum follows a square root dependence on the length L, and the
value of m should be close to 0.5 when plotted in logarithmic form. The constant k can also be
determined from the graph's intercept.

vii. Validate the Value of Acceleration Due to Gravity (g)

The period of a simple pendulum is given by the formula:

[ T = 2π√(L/g)

Rearranging gives:

g = (4π²L/T²)

By using the average period ( T ) calculated from your experiments and the lengths ( L ), you can
calculate ( g ) for each length and average the results to validate against the standard value of
g=(4π²L/T²)

G={(4π²1/1.5552)}

G=9.8m/s²

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 viii. The standard value of g=9.8m/s² Suggestions for Improvement;

To enhance the accuracy of the experiment, it would be beneficial to use more precise timing methods, such
as a photogate connected to a data logger. This would eliminate human error in stopping and starting the
stopwatch. Moreover, ensuring that the string is measured precisely at each length, especially for the shorter
lengths, would improve the reliability of the results.

Repeating the experiment with a greater number of trials and averaging the results would also help reduce
the random errors in timing. Furthermore, testing the experiment with a variety of pendulum bobs (e.g.,
different masses or materials) could provide insight into how other factors, such as air resistance or friction,
influence the motion of the pendulum.

DISCUSION OF RESULTS

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the relationship between the period \( T \) of a
simple pendulum and the length ( L \) of the string. Based on theoretical principles, the period of
oscillation for a simple pendulum is expected to be proportional to the square root of the string
length ( L \),

Upon examining the data, it is evident that as the length of the string decreases, the period of the
pendulum also decreases, which is consistent with the theoretical relationship. According to the
equation, the period should increase with the square root of the length, and the results demonstrate
this general trend.

A graph of (log(T)) versus ( log(L) ) was plotted to analyze the relationship further. The theoretical
expectation is that this graph will yield a straight line with a slope of 0.5. Based on the data
collected, the plot produced a linear relationship, with a slope of approximately 0.51, which is very
close to the theoretical value of 0.5. This confirms that the period of the pendulum is indeed
proportional to the square root of its length.

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The experiment successfully validated the theoretical model that the period of a simple pendulum
is proportional to the square root of its length. The linear relationship observed in the plot of
( log(T) ) versus (log(L)) further supports this conclusion. The data obtained were in good
agreement with the theoretical expectations, confirming the accuracy of the physical principles
governing pendulum motion. Further studies could explore additional factors that may influence
the period, such as the angle of release or the mass of the pendulum bob

CONCLUSION

results of Practical 2 confirm that the period of a simple pendulum decreases with decreasing
string length, in accordance with the theoretical prediction. Although some small discrepancies
were observed between the experimental and theoretical results, the overall trend was consistent
with the expected behavior. The experiment demonstrated the relationship between the period
and length of the string, and the minor errors observed can be attributed to experimental
limitations such as timing accuracy and measurement precision. Further refinements to the
experimental setup and procedure would help improve the overall accuracy of the results.

In the experimental data, as the length decreased, the corresponding period also decreased. This
indicates that the pendulum follows the expected behavior, with the period getting shorter as the
length of the string decreases.

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Halliday, D., Resnick, R., & Walker, J. (2014). Fundamentals of Physics (10th ed.). Wiley.

Hibbeler, R. C. (2011). Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics (13th ed.). Pearson.

Sears, F. W., & Zemansky, M. W. (2012). University Physics (13th ed.). Pearson.

Serway, R. A., & Jewett, J. W. (2013). Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern
Physics(9th ed.). Cengage Learning.

Tipler, P. A., & Llewellyn, R. (2008). Modern Physics (5th ed.). W. H. Freeman.

Tipler, P. A., & Mosca, G. (2007). Physics for Scientists and Engineers (6th ed.). W. H. Freeman.

Young, H. D., & Freedman, R. A. (2008). University Physics with Modern Physics (12th ed.).
Pearson Education.

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