Koustav Pal

Measuring the value of g using a

pendulum
Apparatus:

Split cork
Protractor
Split cork
Clamp Stand
Stopwatch
Meter Ruler
Small Pendulum Bob






Procedure:
The time period of the pendulum is given by the formula
T=2 (L/g), where the T is the time taken for thirty
oscillations. The Pendulum is preferably swung at an angle
below 4-10 degrees.
Following this, the time taken for 30 oscillations is recorded
with the stopwatch, using the central point/normal as the
point for counting a full oscillation. Repeating this for
various lengths of the cotton thread and doing timings for
each length at least 3 times, a table is created where the
data is hence recorded.
A graph of T
2
against L is plotted, and the gradient is hence
4
2
/ g, and as a result g= [4
2
/ k], where k is the
Koustav Pal
gradient. As a result, by plotting a graph, forming a line of
best fit, the gradient can be used to find a value of g.
Pendulum Data
Data for Determining the Value of "g" from a pendulum
Length(m) Time for 30 Oscillations T
2
Value of G

1 2 3 Mean

0.45 47.0 41.0 41.0 43.0 1849.0 0.009599
0.36 37.0 37.0 36.0 36.7 1344.4 0.010561
0.25 31.6 31.4 32.0 31.7 1002.8 0.009833
0.15 25.0 25.3 25.4 25.2 636.7 0.009291
0.05 17.0 17.3 17.5 17.3 298.1 0.006614

Mean= 0.00918











Improvements:

By repeating the experiment for more lengths and masses
of pendulums, a more reliable result can be obtained.
The angle must be kept to a minimum, (below 10 degrees)
to ensure that it is simple harmonic motion.
The experiment can be done in a vacuum to reduce air
resistance.
0.0
200.0
400.0
600.0
800.0
1000.0
1200.0
1400.0
1600.0
1800.0
2000.0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5
T
i
m
e

P
e
r
i
o
d

S
q
u
a
r
e
d

(
s
2
)

Length of the Cotton Thread (m)
Graph of Varying the length of the
Pendulum against the square of the
Time Period
Koustav Pal
Use light gates to record the time, eliminating reaction
time.
Use a stiffer string to ensure that it is inextensible.