Experiment 3 - Simple P…
Experiment # 3
Date:
Topic: Simple Pendulum
Aim: Determine gravitational acceleration, g.
Apparatus:
Meter rule, protractor, pendulum, stopwatch, retort stand
Theory : What is a simple pendulum, oscillation, period, frequency.
Variable
Manipulating variable
Responding variable
Controlled variable
Diagram:
Procedure:
1. set the length of the pendulum to 80 cm.
2. Swing the pendulum by releasing it from rest with a small amplitude. Ensure that it swings in
one plane. Record the time, t1, for 20 oscillations.
3. Repeat to obtain a value of t2 for 80 cm.
4. Vary the length of the pendulum to obtain a total of six sets of readings. Ensure that the
lengths spread over the range of l = 10 cm and 80 cm.
5. Record all values in a table
6. Plot a graph of T2 versus l.
:
Results
Length ,cm Time for 20 oscillations Period,T/s T2/s2
t1 /s t2 /s Average time/s
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
Calculations:
1. Use the graph to find the period of the pendulum when the length is 35 cm.
2. Find the slope, S, of the graph.
3. Given that g = 4π2/ 100S, find g.
Discussion:
1. What is a simple pendulum?
2. Describe the shape of the graph?
3. What is the relationship between T2 and l.
4. Write an expression relating T2 and l.
5. Compare the experimental value for “g” to the true value for “g”
Conclusion: must be in relation to the aim
: