Physical Science 141-701

Special Lab Report 2: Simple Pendulum - Length Variation

Amber Thomas

Professor Ortega
ABSTRACT

In this experiment, the relationship between frequency squared and inverse length of a

simple pendulum was determined. The objective of this experiment was to ultimately determine

the effect the length has in a simple pendulum. Firstly, the relationship between frequency and

length was determined. The graph of frequency and length showed an exponential tendency with

the equation that correlates these variables, f = 1.25e-1.01x. Next, the relationship between

frequency and inverse length was determined. The graph of the frequency versus the inverse

length showed a polynomial relationship with the correlation of the two variables in the equation

f = 0.281 + 0.237x + -0.0141x2. Finally, the relationship between frequency and inverse length

was determined. The graph of the frequency squared and inverse length showed a linear

tendency; it indicated the relationship between frequency squared (f 2) and inverse length (1/L) is

directly proportional. The equation that correlates these variables was f 2 = 0.249(1/L) - 0.00252,

where the value of the slope is 0.249 and the units of the slope is the inverse length or 1/L

(meter), respectively. The experimental acceleration of gravity was calculated and found to be

9.83 m/s2 . A percentage of error of 0.31% was calculated comparing experimental to theoretical

(9.8 m/s2) values of acceleration of gravity. These results revealed that the relationship between

frequency squared and inverse length is directly proportional and that this relationship supports

the rules of gravity on Earth. The results from the experiment also revealed that the length in a

simple pendulum has a large effect on the frequency of oscillations.

INTRODUCTION

In this experiment, the relationship between frequency versus length, frequency versus

inverse length, and frequency squared versus inverse length was determined. The problem being

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addressed in this experiment is whether the length of a pendulum has an effect on the frequency

with a constant mass and angle. According to the Science of Engineering article, pendulums are

very helpful tools in engineering. Pendulums are used in a variety of many engineered objects,

such as clocks, metronomes, amusement park rides and earthquake seismometers. In addition,

engineers know that understanding the physics of how pendulums behave is an important step

towards understanding motion, gravity, inertia and centripetal force (TeachEngineering, 2021). It

is significant to study frequency versus length in a pendulum because this phenomenon occurs on

a daily basis in the real world. Frequency, time, and the acceleration of gravity are all key

concepts that play a major role in the engineering of objects, and acknowledging the importance

of this phenomenon in engineering is significant in order to understand how not only things

work, but also how to create objects that use the simple pendulum. Ultimately, it is important to

understand the relationship between frequency and length in a simple pendulum as it applies

directly to an individual’s life and objects in the real world.

THEORY

Many engineered objects, such as clocks, metronomes, theme park attractions, and

earthquake seismometers, use pendulums. Engineers also recognize that comprehending the

mechanics of how pendulums behave is critical to comprehending rotation, gravity, friction, and

centripetal force. Engineers use their knowledge of these motion principles to calculate the force

used to launch an object into orbit, the stopping strength necessary to stop a vehicle traveling at

high speeds, and the best curve for a highway bridge. Engineers work on a broad variety of tasks

and address critical societal issues (TeachEngineering, 2021).

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 In this experiment, the relationship between frequency and length was determined. The

graph of frequency and length showed an exponential tendency with the equation that correlates

these variables, f = 1.25e-1.01x (Figure 1). Next, the relationship between frequency and inverse

length was determined. The graph of the frequency versus the inverse length showed a

polynomial relationship with the correlation of the two variables in the equation f = 0.281 +

0.237x + -0.0141x2 (Figure 2). Finally, the relationship between frequency and inverse length

was determined. The graph of the frequency squared and inverse length showed a linear

tendency; it indicated the relationship between frequency squared (f 2) and inverse length (1/L) is

directly proportional. The equation that correlates these variables was f 2 = 0.249(1/L) - 0.00252,

where the value of the slope is 0.249 and the units of the slope is the inverse length or 1/L

(meter), respectively (Figure 3). The experimental acceleration of gravity was calculated and

found to be 9.83 m/s2. This compares to the theoretical equation of:

f 2 = 9.8 / 4π2

f 2 = 0.248 1/L (Theoretical)

HYPOTHESIS

In regards to the relationship between frequency and length in a simple pendulum, this

experiment will determine that frequency squared and inverse length are directly proportional. It

will determine that the relationship between frequency squared and inverse length correlates with

the theory of the acceleration of gravity and the acceleration of gravity on Earth which is 9.8

m/s2.

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VARIABLES

The control variables, or constant variables, in this experiment were the mass, angle, and

acceleration of gravity (Earth). During this experiment, the angle that the pendulum was dropped

from was kept the same through all of the trials of the experiment, which was an angle of 15

degrees. The mass on the simple pendulum was also kept the same during the experiment, thus

was a control variable as the mass or size of the pendulum was not altered at any time in the

experiment. The acceleration of gravity was also kept the same throughout the experiment,

which was the acceleration of gravity on earth (9.8 m/s2). The manipulated variable in this

experiment was the length of the simple pendulum. For every trial, the length was increased of

the simple pendulum and dropped from 15 degrees. Thus, this was the main variable in this

experiment that was altered. The response variable, or the variable resulting from the experiment

was the time recorded. For every trial, the time was recorded for how long it took for the simple

pendulum to swing back and forth five times (5 oscillations) and this a result of how the length

impacts the frequency.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this experiment is to determine the relationship between frequency and

length, frequency and inverse length, and also the relationship between frequency squared and

inverse length was determined. The objective of this experiment was also to determine whether

the results of this experiment correlate with the acceleration of gravity on earth which is 9.8 m/s2.

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MATERIALS

- Simple pendulum

- Mass (0.50 kg)

- Stopwatch

- Length

Figure 1

PROCEDURE

1. Set up the experiment and materials that are going to be used to determine the

relationship between distance and time. This experiment was done with an online

program, but could be done in a lab as well. Set up the pendulum with a mass of 0.50 kg,

which stays constant throughout the experiment. Have a stopwatch ready to record the

time it takes for the pendulum to make five oscillations (back and forth). The mass on the

simple pendulum and the angle the pendulum is dropped from (15 degrees) will stay

constant throughout the experiment.

2. Align the pendulum with 15 degrees. Be sure to make the angle exactly 15 degrees

throughout the experiment to avoid any unnecessary error. The first length is 0.20 meters

for the simple pendulum. Drop the pendulum.

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3. Start the stopwatch as soon as the pendulum string is on the 15 degrees mark. Stop the

stopwatch as soon as the pendulum hits the same mark, after five oscillations. Record this

time for the first trial for 0.20 meters. Repeat steps 2 and 3 two more times (a total of

three trials) for the distance of 0.20 meters and record each time in the data table.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for all of the distances. The distances that are going to be used in

this experiment is 0.20, 0.30, 0.40, 0.50, 0.60, 0.70, 0.80, 0.90, and 1.00 meters. There

will be three trials for each of the lengths. Be sure to keep the mass and angle constant

throughout the experiment and record all of the times for each distance and trial in the

data table.

5. After all of the data is recorded, for each length that was used in the simple pendulum,

calculate the average time by adding the three times together and then dividing by a total

of three. This will determine the average time for how long it took for each length to do

five oscillations. Record these results in the data table.

6. Next, determine the period for each length used in the experiment by taking the average

time calculated for each length, and dividing that number by five. This will result in the

period for each length, or the time for one oscillation. Add these values to the data table.

7. Next determine the frequency for each length used in the simple pendulum experiment.

Calculate the frequency by dividing one by the period (T) which will be later used in

graphs for the experiment. Add these values to the data table.

8. After the frequency for each length in the experiment is determined, calculate the inverse

length and add these values to the data table. The inverse length can be calculated by

dividing one by the length for the given trial (1/0.20 for the first trial).

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 9. Finally, determine the values of frequency squared for each length used in the

experiment. Frequency squared can be calculated by taking the frequency that was

determined earlier in the experiment, and squaring those values. Record these results in

the data table.

EXPERIMENTAL DATA

For the first length used in the experiment, 0.20 meters, the times recorded for each trial

was 4.46, 4.51, and 4.47 seconds with an average time of 4.48 seconds. The period calculated for

this length of the simple pendulum was 0.896 seconds. The frequency for this length was

calculated to be 1.116 Hz. The inverse length was calculated for this length, resulting in 5.00

meters. The frequency squared was determined to be 1.245 Hz. For the second length used in the

experiment, 0.30 meters, the times recorded for each trial was 5.52, 5.55, and 5.53 seconds with

an average time of 5.53 seconds. The period calculated for this length of the simple pendulum

was 1.106 seconds. The frequency for this length was calculated to be 0.904 Hz. The inverse

length was calculated for this length, resulting in 3.33 meters. The frequency squared was

determined to be 0.817 Hz. For the third length used in the experiment, 0.40 meters, the times

recorded for each trial was 6.37, 6.27, and 6.34 seconds with an average time of 6.33 seconds.

The period calculated for this length of the simple pendulum was 1.266 seconds. The frequency

for this length was calculated to be 0.789 Hz. The inverse length was calculated for this length,

resulting in 2.50 meters. The frequency squared was determined to be 0.623 Hz. For the fourth

length used in the experiment, 0.50 meters, the times recorded for each trial was 7.15, 7.08, and

7.09 seconds with an average time of 7.11 seconds. The period calculated for this length of the

simple pendulum was 1.422 seconds. The frequency for this length was calculated to be 0.703

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Hz. The inverse length was calculated for this length, resulting in 2.00 meters. The frequency

squared was determined to be 0.494 Hz. For the fifth length used in the experiment, 0.60 meters,

the times recorded for each trial was 7.83, 7.80, and 7.84 seconds with an average time of 7.82

seconds. The period calculated for this length of the simple pendulum was 1.564 seconds. The

frequency for this length was calculated to be 0.639 Hz. The inverse length was calculated for

this length, resulting in 1.67 meters. The frequency squared was determined to be 0.408 Hz. For

the sixth length used in the experiment, 0.70 meters, the times recorded for each trial was 8.49,

8.35, and 8.42 seconds with an average time of 8.42 seconds. The period calculated for this

length of the simple pendulum was 1.684 seconds. The frequency for this length was calculated

to be 0.594 Hz. The inverse length was calculated for this length, resulting in 1.43 meters. The

frequency squared was determined to be 0.353 Hz. For the seventh length used in the

experiment, 0.80 meters, the times recorded for each trial was 8.89, 9.01, and 9.09 seconds with

an average time of 8.99 seconds. The period calculated for this length of the simple pendulum

was 1.798 seconds. The frequency for this length was calculated to be 0.559 Hz. The inverse

length was calculated for this length, resulting in 1.25 meters. The frequency squared was

determined to be 0.312 Hz. For the eighth length used in the experiment, 0.90 meters, the times

recorded for each trial was 9.50, 9.56, and 9.51 seconds with an average time of 9.52 seconds.

The period calculated for this length of the simple pendulum was 1.904 seconds. The frequency

for this length was calculated to be 0.525 Hz. The inverse length was calculated for this length,

resulting in 1.11 meters. The frequency squared was determined to be 0.276 Hz. For the ninth

and final length used in the experiment, 1.00 meters, the times recorded for each trial was 10.08,

10.10, and 10.07 seconds with an average time of 10.08 seconds. The period calculated for this

length of the simple pendulum was 2.016 seconds. The frequency for this length was calculated

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to be 0.496 Hz. The inverse length was calculated for this length, resulting in 1.00 meters. The

frequency squared was determined to be 0.246 Hz. Refer to “Table 1: Simple Pendulum - Length

Variation” for the data table with all of the calculated values.

The graph of frequency and length showed an exponential tendency with the equation

that correlates these variables, f = 1.25e-1.01x (Figure 2). The graph of the frequency versus the

inverse length showed a polynomial relationship with the correlation of the two variables in the

equation f = 0.281 + 0.237x + -0.0141x2 (Figure 3). The graph of the frequency squared and

inverse length showed a linear tendency; it indicated the relationship between frequency squared

(f 2) and inverse length (1/L) is directly proportional. The equation that correlates these variables

was f 2 = 0.249(1/L) - 0.00252, where the value of the slope is 0.249 and the units of the slope is

the inverse length or 1/L (meter), respectively (Figure 4).

Table 1. Simple Pendulum – Length variation

Time taken for 5 oscillations

Lengt Period Frequenc Inverse Frequency
h Average (T) y (f ) Length Squared
(L) t1 (s) t2 (s) t3 (s) time, (s) (Hz) (1/L) (f 2 )
(m) (s)

0.20 4.46 4.51 4.47 4.48 0.896 1.116 5.00 1.245

0.30 5.52 5.55 5.53 5.53 1.106 0.904 3.33 0.817
0.40 6.37 6.27 6.34 6.33 1.266 0.789 2.50 0.623
0.50 7.15 7.08 7.09 7.11 1.422 0.703 2.00 0.494
0.60 7.83 7.80 7.84 7.82 1.564 0.639 1.67 0.408
0.70 8.49 8.35 8.42 8.42 1.684 0.594 1.43 0.353
0.80 8.89 9.01 9.09 8.99 1.798 0.559 1.25 0.312
0.90 9.50 9.56 9.51 9.52 1.904 0.525 1.11 0.276
1.00 10.08 10.10 10.07 10.08 2.016 0.496 1.00 0.246

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Figure 2

Figure 3

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 Figure 4

SAMPLE OF CALCULATION

In order to determine the average time, the sum of all three trials for one length was

divided by three. For example, for the length of 0.20 meters, the times recorded for each trial was

4.46, 4.51, and 4.47 seconds. These three times added together equal 13.44, which would then be

divided by three, resulting in 4.48 seconds, therefore is the average time of the three trials for the

length of 0.20 meters. These steps were repeated for all of the lengths in the experiment in order

to determine the average time. In order to calculate the period (T), the average time is divided by

five because of the five oscillations. For example, for the distance of 0.20 meters, the average

time was 4.48 seconds. 4.48 seconds divided by five results in 0.896, which is the period for the

length of 0.20 meters. These steps were repeated for all of the lengths in the simple pendulum

experiment to determine the period.

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 In order to determine the relationship between frequency and length, frequency and

inverse length, and frequency squared and inverse length, calculating the data into the excel

spreadsheet benefitted in the terms of determining the slope, y-intercept, and proportionality

relationship between the different types of variables. For the first graph, or Figure 2, the graph

for frequency versus length revealed that the data correlated an exponential relationship with an

equation of f = 1.25e-1.01x. This helps determine the relationship between frequency and length

and reveals that the relationship between these two variables are exponential. In regards to the

relationship between frequency and inverse length, the graph revealed a polynomial relationship

with the equation of f = 0.281 + 0.237x + -0.0141x2 (Figure 3). For the last graph of frequency
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squared and inverse length, the graph revealed a linear tendency with the equation f =

0.249(1/L) - 0.00252, where the value of the slope is 0.249 and the units of the slope is the

inverse length or 1/L (meter), respectively (Figure 4). This reveals the relationship between

frequency squared and inverse length is directly proportional and also reveals that the slope of

the graph is 0.249 (1/L) or meter.

In order to determine the experimental acceleration of gravity for frequency squared and

inverse length, the slope found in the equation given by the graph was multiplied by 4π2. 0.550

multiplied by 4π2 equals 9.83 meters per second squared. This compares to the theoretical value

of the acceleration of gravity, which is 9.8 meters per second squared. Now that the experimental

acceleration has been calculated, the percentage of error can now be determined. In order to

calculate the percentage of error, the theoretical acceleration of gravity (9.8 meters per second

squared) is subtracted from the experimental acceleration of gravity (9.83 meters per second

squared) and then divided by the theoretical acceleration. This results in 0.00306, which is then

multiplied by 100 to calculate the percentage of error for the data. This results in 0.31% of error.

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RESULTS

The relationship between frequency and length was exponential. The trend found in the

graph revealed that the relationship between frequency and length was exponential, thus

revealing that it has an exponential proportional relationship. The relationship between frequency

and inverse length was polynomial. This reveals that these two variables have a polynomial

proportional relationship. The relationship between frequency squared and inverse length was

linear. The linear trend found in the graph revealed that these two variables have a directly

proportional relationship. This experimental result agrees with the theory of acceleration of

gravity on Earth. In terms of percentage of error, there was a 0.31% of error for this experiment.

There are several variables that could have contributed to this percentage of error. Some of these

variables include manually recording the time with a stopwatch and reaction time. The time

could be inconsistent for the reason of reaction to the pendulum hitting the 15 degree mark and

starting the time and then stopping it when it hits that mark again. It could take a little longer to

start the stopwatch and stop it during the experiment which could have contributed to the percent

error. Another source of error could be aligning the pendulum with exactly 15 degrees. In this

experiment, since an online program was used, this part of the experiment was accurate but in a

lab room this may have been more difficult to keep consistent. There are other sources of error

that may have contributed impact to measurement, such as stopwatch malfunctions or

inconsistency for starting and stopping the stopwatch

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between frequency squared and inverse length is a direct proportion. The

experimental equation that describes this relation was f 2 = 0.249(1/L) - 0.00252, where the value

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of the slope is 0.249 and the units of the slope is the inverse length or 1/L (meter), revealing that

the experimental acceleration of gravity is 9.83 meters per second squared, compared to 9.8

meters per second squared. A percentage of error of 0.31% was found comparing the

experimental and theoretical values of acceleration. The possible source of error could be

inconsistency with the stop watch and reaction time.

REFERENCES

TeachEngineering. (2021, April 30). The science of swinging - lesson. Retrieved May 11, 2021,

from

https://www.teachengineering.org/lessons/view/cub_pend_lesson01#:~:text=Pendulums

%20are%20used%20in%20many,gravity%2C%20inertia%20and%20centripetal%20forc

e.

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