Simple Pendulum

Simple Pendulum

Purpose

To determine the value of the gravitational acceleration by using a simple pendulum.

Objectives

  • To be able to perform an experiment independently.
  • To be able to take measurements, obtain results, and interpret them correctly.
  • To be able to estimate the accuracy of experimental results.

Equipment

  • A small object with a hole such as a bead or nut, and a long string
  • A measuring tape (or ruler) and a watch. If you don’t have a watch, you can use your cell phone or a web app such as this Java Applet Stopwatch.
  • Scissors, a pencil and a scotch tape

Theory

A simple pendulum consists of an object with
negligible size hanging on a string. When the object is deflected from
its equilibrium, it swings (oscillates) back and forth. The time for one
complete cycle (oscillation) is called the period of oscillations, T. For
small angles of deflection, the period of the simple pendulum is
given by the following formula:

Period   =   2π √ L ⁄ g   ,

where L is the length of the pendulum and g is the gravitational acceleration.

In order to increase the accuracy of the final result, the time must be measured several times. The average of these values will be taken as the time it takes for the pendulum to swing.

Preliminary Setup

  • Cut approximately 1 meter long string.
  • Tie one end of the string to the bead and the other to the pencil.
  • Tape the pencil onto a table or any other surface, so that the bead is hanging freely. This is your simple pendulum.

Activity

Determine the value of the gravitational acceleration.

Procedure

Determine the period of the oscillations.

  • Measure the length of the string from the pencil end to the bead.
  • Pull the bead approximately 5 cm to the side from its equilibrium position and let it go.
  • Measure the time for 20 oscillations, t, and write it down
  • Repeat the procedure seven times and record your data
  • Average the seven values and determine the period of oscillations by dividing the time t by 20.
Data and Results

Record your measurements in the following table:

 L  (m)  t1 (s)  t2 (s) t3 (s) t4 (s)  t5 (s) t6 (s)  t7 (s)  tav (s)  Tav (s)

 

Results

Using the formula for the period of a simple pendulum, determine the gravitational acceleration, g. Write down the results in the following table:

&nbsp L (m)&nbsp&nbsp &nbsp Tav (s)&nbsp&nbsp &nbsp g (m/s2)&nbsp&nbsp

 

Questions

Question 1. How accurate is your result. Compare with the value for the gravitational acceleration. To what digit do your results and the established value agree?

Experimental value of the gravitational acceleration:
Established value of the gravitational acceleration:
The two values agree to which digit?

Question 2. List all the factors (order them according to their impact) that might have affected the accuracy of your results.

Question 3. Which of the above factors can be removed and which were outside your control?