Physics School Based Assessments 1

Arisha Richardson
4B4

Title: The Pendulum

Objective: To investigate the relationship between length and period of a

pendulum.

Theory/Research
Period is the time it takes from one side to the other and back of a
Pendulum. The precautions taken when measuring the length and the
period of the pendulum were measuring the length twice for accuracy
and doing the experiment twice.

Variables:
Manipulating variable is the length of string
Responding variable is Period of a pendulum (T).

Apparatus
Pendulum, ruler, stop clock/stopwatch, set square, retort stand
Diagram

Procedures
1. With the length, l, of the pendulum at about 80 cm, prepare the
apparatus as shown in the diagram, ensuring that the ruler is
vertical .Use the ruler and set square to measure the exact length
of the pendulum.
2. With small amplitude in one plane set the pendulum oscillating.
3. The time, t1 taken for 20 oscillations was found by using the
countdown method and timing from a mid-reference line.
4. To ensure accuracy repeat timing (t2)
 5. The length of the pendulum was changed and the procedure was
repeated.

Data collected

Recordings of length of string, time taken for oscillation, period of

oscillation and T2

Length of Time taken for 20 oscillations Period of T2

string oscillation (s2)
l (cm) t1 (s) t2 (s) t Ave. T
80 30.56 37.13 36.85 1.84 3.39
70 34.52 33.80 34.16 1.71 2.92
60 32.69 31.31 32.00 1.6 2.56
50 29.07 28.42 28.75 1.44 2.07
40 25.87 25.76 25.82 1.29 1.66
30 22.69 22.65 22.67 1.13 1.27
20 18.11 18.40 18.26 0.91 0.83
10 13.20 14.63 13.92 0.70 0.49

Data Analysis

Recordings of length and T2 to find out if T2 is proportional to length

L (cm) T2
80 3.39
70 2.92
60 2.56
50 2.07
40 1.66
30 1.27
20 0.83
10 0.49
  The period of a pendulum whose length is 35 cm is 1.75

 The gradient= y2-y1 = 3.39 -1.27= 0.0424 m/s

x2-x1 80 - 30
S= 0.0424m/s

 4π2 =39.43 = 9.3 m/s

100s 4.24

 The relationship between l and T2 is directly proportional

 An equation connecting T2 and l is y= m + c.

Conclusion:
The square of the period of oscillation is directly proportional to the
length of a simple pendulum.

Precautions
 No pressure was applied against the working table
 Windows were closed.
 Experiment was done twice.
 Fans were turned off.

Source of error
 The time taken (t2) was rounded off because time ran over.