Lillian Hanson

Pendulum Periods and SHM

Objectives:
In this experiment, you will:
● Discover what quantities affect the period of a pendulum.

Materials:

String, set of masses, scissors, ring stand, protractor

Pre-Lab Investigation Part 1:

● How does the period of a pendulum function as the following are changed:
○ Amplitude: The period will be longer as amplitude increases, and shorter as
amplitude decreases.
○ (String) Length: The period will be longer as the length increases, and shorter as
the length decreases.
○ Mass: Mass and period are independent variables in a pendulum.

Procedure:
1. Hang the mass from the string and attach the other end to the arm of the ring stand.
2. Change the appropriate variable (mass, amplitude, or length). Ensure that the other two
variables remain constant throughout the trials of the selected variable.
3. Run 5 trials for each variable, recording the time for each trial. For every trial lift up the
mass at the specified angle and allow it to swing through 5 phases, then divide the total
time lapsed by 5.
4. Continue until 5 trials have been taken for each variable (mass, amplitude, length).
 Lillian Hanson

Data Part 1:

A: Amplitude (degrees) Average period (s)

10 1.1

15 1.2

20 1.2

25 1.1

30 1.1

B: Length (meters) Average period (s)

0.54 1.5

0.45 1.4

0.32 1.2

0.21 0.97

0.11 0.76

C: Mass (kg) Average period (s)

0.02 1.1

0.05 1.1

0.15 1.1

0.2 1.2

0.5 1.1

Evaluation of Data Part 1:

 Lillian Hanson

1. Construct individual graphs for Part A, B and C. Explain if there is a trend in each of these
graphs.

a. This graph shows minimal

to no trend, with any
changes likely due to
imperfect measurements
and the use of 2 sig figs.

b. This graph shows that the

period of a pendulum
increases proportionally
as the length increases.

c. This graph shows minimal

to no trend, with any
changes likely due to
imperfect measurements
and the use of 2 sig figs.

2. To examine more carefully how

the period T depends on the
pendulum length, create the following two additional graphs of the same data: T 2 vs L &
and T vs L2. What can you conclude from these graphs?
 Lillian Hanson

a.

b.

3. Using Newton's laws, we could show that for some pendulums, T is related to ( and free-
fall acceleration (g) with:
T = 2π √(L/g), or T2 = (4π2/g)*L
a. Does one of your graphs show this relationship? Explain. (Hint: Can the term in
parentheses be treated as a constant of proportionality?)
i. Both graphs show this relationship, as they both increase proportionally
and steadily.