Physics Design IA
Practical Investigation: The Simple Pendulum
Background
The period of a pendulum is the time for one complete swing. The equation for the period of a pendulum is;
Aim
To investigate the factors which affect the period of oscillation of a simple pendulum.
Equipment
-Stand & Clamp -1 Meter Ruler
-Pendulum Bob -Nylon String
-Stopwatch
Method
1) Determine the effect on the period (T) of the pendulum when the mass (m) of the bob is altered. Set up the pendulum with a 20 cm length of string (L) so that the bob swings near a backboard. Pull the bob 6 cm to one side (the amplitude), then release it so that it swings parallel to the board. Another observer should use a stopwatch to measure the time for 20 complete swings. One swing is the time the bob takes to go out from its release position and return. Repeat this procedure using three other bobs of different masses. In each case use the same length of string and amplitude.
Enter your results in Table A.
2) Determine the effect on the period of the pendulum when the amplitude is altered and the mass and the length of string are kept constant. Measure the time for 20 complete swings when the bob is given an amplitude of 4 cm, 6 cm, 8 cm, and 10 cm respectively.
Enter your results into table B.
3) Determine the effect on the period of the pendulum when the length of string is altered. Keep the mass of the bob constant, and give the bob the same amplitude of 6 cm in each case, but change the length of the string so that results are obtained for lengths of 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, and 40 cm. Enter your results in table C.
Results: Table A
Length = 20 cm, amplitude = 6 cm
Trendline: y = -0.0005x + 1.3666
Max Slope Trendline:
Background
The period of a pendulum is the time for one complete swing. The equation for the period of a pendulum is;
Aim
To investigate the factors which affect the period of oscillation of a simple pendulum.
Equipment
-Stand & Clamp -1 Meter Ruler
-Pendulum Bob -Nylon String
-Stopwatch
Method
1) Determine the effect on the period (T) of the pendulum when the mass (m) of the bob is altered. Set up the pendulum with a 20 cm length of string (L) so that the bob swings near a backboard. Pull the bob 6 cm to one side (the amplitude), then release it so that it swings parallel to the board. Another observer should use a stopwatch to measure the time for 20 complete swings. One swing is the time the bob takes to go out from its release position and return. Repeat this procedure using three other bobs of different masses. In each case use the same length of string and amplitude.
Enter your results in Table A.
2) Determine the effect on the period of the pendulum when the amplitude is altered and the mass and the length of string are kept constant. Measure the time for 20 complete swings when the bob is given an amplitude of 4 cm, 6 cm, 8 cm, and 10 cm respectively.
Enter your results into table B.
3) Determine the effect on the period of the pendulum when the length of string is altered. Keep the mass of the bob constant, and give the bob the same amplitude of 6 cm in each case, but change the length of the string so that results are obtained for lengths of 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, and 40 cm. Enter your results in table C.
Results: Table A
Length = 20 cm, amplitude = 6 cm
Trendline: y = -0.0005x + 1.3666
Max Slope Trendline: