Physics

Experiment #4
Date: February 11, 2024
Title: Planning & Designing (Pendulum)
Problem Statement: Plan & design an experiment to show how mass of a pendulum affects
its period.
Hypothesis: The period of the pendulum will not be affected by the mass of the bob.
Aim: To determine how the period of the pendulum is affected by the mass of the bob.

Apparatus and Materials

1. String
2. Stopwatch
3. Weights (40g, 50g, 60g, 70g)
4. Support stand.
5. Protractor
6. Ruler
7. Pendulum

Diagram
Procedure:

1. Set up the support stand in a suitable location where the pendulum can swing freely
without obstruction.
2. Attach the string to the support stand and ensure it is securely fastened.
3. The length of the pendulum by measuring from the point of suspension to the centre
of mass of the weight is 50cm.
4. Set the initial mass of the pendulum to a predetermined value 40g.
5. Pull the pendulum back to a small angle 95 degrees and release it, ensuring it swings
in a consistent plane.
6. Use the stopwatch to measure the time taken for the pendulum to complete 15 full
oscillations.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 for different masses of the pendulum, keeping the length of the
pendulum constant.

Results:

Mass of Bob/g Time Taken

40g
50g
60g
70g

Table Showing the Mass of Bob and Time Taken

Calculations:

To calculate the period (T) for each mass of the pendulum using the formula, where is T = 2 π
√l/ g, where l the length of the pendulum and g is the acceleration due to gravity, we need to
follow these steps:

Given:
Length of pendulum l = 50 cm (or 0.5 meters)
Acceleration due to gravity g = 9.81 m/s² (standard value)

For each mass of the pendulum (40g, 50g, 60g, 70g):

1. Convert the mass from grams to kilograms (since g is in meters/second²).
2. Substitute the values into the formula to find the period T.

Let's calculate the period T for each mass:

For 40g: For 60g:
1. Mass (m) = 40g = 0.04 kg 1. Mass (m) = 60g = 0.06 kg
2. T = T = 2 π √l/ g 2. T = T = 2 π √l/ g
T = 2 π √0.5/9.81 T = 2 π √0.5/9.81
T ≈ 2 π √20.0509 T ≈ 2 π √20.0509
T ≈ 2 π * 0.2257 T ≈ 2 π * 0.2257
T ≈ 1.418 seconds T ≈ 1.418 seconds

For 50g: For 70g:

1. Mass (m) = 50g = 0.05 kg 1. Mass (m) = 70g = 0.07 kg
2. T = T = 2 π √l/ g 2. T = T = 2 π √l/ g
T = 2 π √0.5/9.81 T = 2 π √0.5/9.81
T ≈ 2 π √20.0509 T ≈ 2 π √20.0509
T ≈ 2 π * 0.2257 T ≈ 2 π * 0.2257
T ≈ 1.418 seconds T ≈ 1.418 seconds

Variables:

 Manipulated Variable: Mass of the pendulum.

 Responding Variable: Period of the pendulum.
 Control Variables: Length of the pendulum, angle of displacement, gravitational
acceleration, and consistency in the swinging motion.

Precautions /Possible sources of errors

1. Ensure the length of the pendulum remains constant throughout the experiment.
2. Maintain a consistent angle of displacement for each swing.
3. Minimize air resistance by conducting the experiment in a low-drag environment.
4. Ensure the stopwatch or timer is started and stopped accurately to measure the period
precisely.
5. Check the setup for any obstructions or interference that could affect the swinging
motion.
Conclusion

In conclusion, the experiment aimed to investigate the relationship between the mass of a
pendulum bob and its period of oscillation. The results demonstrated that changes in the mass
of the bob did not have a significant impact on the period of the pendulum. This supports the
hypothesis that the period of a pendulum remains unaffected by variations in its mass. The
controlled variables, including pendulum length and angle of displacement, were crucial in
ensuring the accuracy of the experiment. These findings align with the principles of simple
harmonic motion, highlighting the consistent nature of pendulum oscillations regardless of
bob mass within the tested range.