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1.5 Scientific Investigations
1.5 Scientific Investigations
PHYSICS
FORM 4
Suggesting a hypothesis
Inference
The period of oscillation of a simple pendulum depends on its
length.
Hypothesis
The longer the pendulum, the longer the period of oscillation
is.
Operational Definition
The period is the time taken for the pendulum to complete one
oscillation.
The length of the pendulum refers to the length of the string
tied to the pendulum.
To study the relationship between the length and the period
of oscillation of a simple pendulum (SPM2004)
Apparatus and Materials
String, pendulum bob, metre rule, stopwatch, retort stand. two
wooden pieces and protractor
Procedure
Suspend a pendulum of length, / = 30 cm, from a retort stand
as shown in Figure below.
To study the relationship between the length and the period
of oscillation of a simple pendulum (SPM2004)
Procedure (continue…)
Displace the pendulum by a small angle (about 10°) and then
release it.
The time taken for 20 oscillations is measured using a
stopwatch.
The period of oscillation can be determined by Time for 20
oscillations / 20
Repeat steps (2) to (4) to obtain two sets of readings for l = 30
cm.
Repeat the experiment for l = 40.0 cm, / = 50.0 cm, / = 60.0
cm, l = 70.0 cm and l = 80.0 cm.
The same pendulum is used. The displacement (amplitude of
oscillation) of the pendulum is fixed for all values of l
To study the relationship between the length and the period
of oscillation of a simple pendulum (SPM2004)
l / cm T/s T2 / s2
30.0 1.10 1.21
40.0 1.26 1.59
50.0 1.42 2.02
60.0 1.57 2.46
70.0 1.69 2.86
80.0 1.79 3.20
To study the relationship between the length and the period
of oscillation of a simple pendulum (SPM2004)
Conclusion
T2 l. The square of the period is directly proportional to the
length of the pendulum.
Hypothesis is proved to be true.
Explanation of a Scientific Investigation Operation
Make inference
An inference is an early conclusion based on observation
before a study is made.
A question arises from an observation and a possible
inference is made.
The inference made is a reasonable possible conclusion,
which may or may not be true.
Formulate a hypothesis
Before a scientific experiment is carried out, there must a
guess.
The experiment is then carried out to prove whether or not
the guess is true.
The guess is known as a hypothesis.
We can make different hypotheses as long as they fulfill the
request of our purpose and problem.
A hypothesis formulated should state the relationship
between the manipulated variable and the responding
variable.
A hypothesis must be brief, clear, and able to be tested.
Explanation of a Scientific Investigation Operation
Formulate a hypothesis (Example)
The purpose of an experiment is to study the relationship between
the length of a pendulum and its period of oscillation. Determine a
possible hypothesis.
Solution
(a) The longer the pendulum, the longer the period of oscillation is.
(b) The longer the pendulum, the shorter the period of oscillation is.
(c) The period of oscillation does not depend on the length of the
pendulum.
Operational Definition
An operational definition refers to a method to determine a
variable (physical quantity).
An operational definition is also a definition for a variable.
Table of Data
Data is tabulated so that it is presented systematically and
neatly.
Explanation of a Scientific Investigation Operation
Table of Data
Usually, the values of the manipulated variable are tabulated in
the first column and the values of the responding variable are
tabulated in the second column which may be divided into a few
columns.
The name of the variable, symbol and unit has to be written at
the top of each row.
All the readings must be consistent in the number of decimal
places. For example, readings of length (in cm) such as 20.1,
30, 51.22 are inconsistent readings.
Usually all the values recorded are according to the sensitivity of
the instrument. That is why the number of decimal places is
consistent for all the values.
At least five sets of readings arc needed for every table.
Explanation of a Scientific Investigation Operation
Table of Data (An example of a good table)
All numerical value in every
Manipulated variable column must have the same
Responding variable
in the first column number of significant figures
in the following column
of decimal place