Torsion Pendulum -Rigidity Modulus of the wire

Aim:

To determine the rigidity modulus of the suspension wire using torsion pendulum.

Apparatus:

The given torsion pendulum, two identical cyllindrical masses, stop watch, metre scale, etc.

Rigidity Modulus of wire

Where n= Rigidity Modulus of the wire in Newton/Meter 2

m= mass of each of the two symmetrical masses in gm

l= length of wire in cm

r= radius of wire in cm

d= distance at which the symmetrical masses are placed on disc in cm

T1= Time period of oscillations with symmetrical weights at distance d1 in seconds

T2= Time period of oscillations with symmetrical weights at distance d2 in seconds

Theory:
Torsion pendulum consists of a metal wire clamped to a rigid support at one end and
carries a heavy circular disc at the other end. When the suspension wire of the disc is
slightly twisted, the disc at the bottom of the wire executes torsional oscillations such
that the angular acceleration of the disc is directly proportional to its angular displacement
and the oscillations are simple harmonic.
 Diagram

Procedure

1. One end of the material of the wire is clamped using a vertical chuck. A metallic disc is
attached to the other end of the wire. The length of the suspension wire is fixed to a
particular value. The disc is slightly twisted so the disc executes torsional oscillations .
2. The radius of the suspension wire is measured using a screw gauge.
3. The length of the suspension wire is adjusted 30 cm
4. The disc is set in oscillation. Find the time for 10 oscillations twice and determine the
mean period of oscillation ' T0 '.
5. The two identical masses are placed symmetrically on either side of the suspension wire
as close as possible to the centre of the disc, and measure d1 =2.5cm which is the distance
between the centres of the disc and one of the identical masses.
6. Find the time for 10 oscillations twice and determine the mean period of oscillation ' T 1 '.
7. The two identical masses are placed symmetrically on either side of the suspension wire
as far as possible to the centre of the disc, and measure d2= 5cm which is the distance
between the centres of the disc and one of the identical masses.
8. Find the time for 10 oscillations twice and determine the mean period of oscillation ' T 2 '.
9. Find the rigidity modulus of the suspension wire using the given formula.
 Length of wire l=------cm

Position of Time period for 10 Oscillations Period for One

symmetrical Trial –I Trial –II Mean Oscillations
weights (Seconds) (Seconds) (seconds) (seconds)

Without Mass T0 =

With mass at a
distance
T1=
d1=-------- cm

With mass at a
distance
T2=
d2=-------- cm

To determine the diameter of the wire using Screw Gauge

Least Count = 0.01mm Zero Error=------ division

Zero Correction=----- division
S. No Pitch Scale Head Scale Head Scale Total Reading=
Reading Coincidence Reading P.S.R +H.S.R
(P.S.R) in mm (H.S.C) (H.S.C x L.C) (mm)
division H.S.R

Average d=--------mm

The radius of the wire r = d/2= ------- x 10-3m

Observations:

Length of the suspension wire, l=................m

Radius of the suspension wire, r =..............m

Mass of each identical masses, m =.............kg

Identical mass at distance, d1=...........m

Identical mass at distance, d2=...........m

Precautions:
1. The wire should not have any bending.

2. The chuck nuts should be tight because the wire becomes loose and the oscillations

may not be perfect.

3. The time period between the oscillations must be uniform.

4. Handle the rotate the circular disc gently

5. Keep the cylindrical masses at equal distances

Result:
.
The Rigidity modulus of the given material of the wire, n = ________ N/m2

Viva Questions:
1. What is Torsion Pendulum?
2. What is Rigidity modulus?
3. Define: Shearing stress.
4. Define :tangential strain.
5. Define :time period. What are factors that influence time period?
6. What is Torsion?
7. What is meant by Torsional Oscillations?