National University of Sciences & Technology

Compound Pendulum
Lab 03

Lab Instructor : Engr. Sereen Atif

Objective:
To calculate the time period of Compound pendulum and compare it with the
theoretical values
Apparatus:
 Bob (wooden and metal bobs)
String
Stop watch

4 1

1. Balancing 2. Rod
Pin

3. Pendulum 4. Pin for

Bob thread

Figure 1 Unit Assembly

Theory:
Consider the uniform rigid rod AB shown in Figure below
 Figure 2 Schematic of Compound Pendulum
Its centre of mass is at G when unloaded and it is pivoted at O, where OG = h. A mass M is
fixed to the rod at a distance l from O along AB. If the rod is displaced by an angle from the
vertical, the restoring torque is given by,

mh ML g .sin (1)

This torque produces an angular acceleration, , and is related to it by,

I (2)

Where I is the moment of inertia of the loaded rod about a horizontal axis through O such that,

I I o mh 2 ML2 (3)

Where I 0 is the moment of inertia of the unloaded rod about an axis through G. Io is given by,

I o mk 2 (4)

Where k is the corresponding radius of gyration

Substitute in Equation (3) in (4) we get,

 I m(k 2 h2 ) ML2 (5)
mgh sin (6)

Substituting using Equations (6) and (5) in Equation (2) the following relation is obtained,

(mh ML) g sin [m(k 2 h2 ) ML2 ]

This can be rearranged to give,

mh ML g sin 0 (7)
mK 2 ML2

Where

K 2 k 2 h2

For small angles, sin () (in radians) so that Equation (7) becomes,

mh ML g 0
mK 2 ML2

This is in the form,

2
Constant 2 0 (8)
2t

This implies that Equation (8) represents simple harmonic motion (SHM). The corresponding
period is given by,

2
T
constant

Where from Equation (8),

Constant
mh ML g
(mK 2 ML)
Thus the periodic time is given by,
(mK 2 ML2 )
T 2
(mh ML) g

(mK 2 ML2 )
T 2 4 2
(mh ML) g

m 2
M K L
2

T 2 4 2 (9)
m 2
M h L g

For a simple pendulum the period for small oscillations is given by,

Lo
To 2
g
or
Lo
To2 4 2 (10)
g

A simple pendulum with a period T = To for the compound pendulum would have a length Lo
(called the equivalent length) that can be obtained by equating Equations (9) and (10), yielding,

m
4 2 K 2 L2
M 4 2 Lo

m g
M h L g

m 2
M K L
2

Lo (11)
m
M h L

The above Equation (11) may be written as,

 m 2

M h k L
2 2

Lo

m
hL
M

m, M, and k are fixed. If h is also kept fixed then as L is varied, Lo will also vary. Hence Lo is a
function of L.

We conclude that

Lo
To 2
g

Final Formulas:

T 2
mK 2
ML2
mh ML g

Where the k

L
k
12

Procedure:
1. Measure the mass of the bob and Steel Rod.
2. Find the center of gravity of Rod.
3. Mount the knife edge on the Rod and insert in the slot of the wall mount pendulum
apparatus.
4. Measure all the above define parameters (L, h, m, M) according to diagram.
5. Then tight the mass (bob) on the other end of the Rod.
6. Take the bob from its original position to point B or C.
7. Take a stop watch to measure total time of oscillation.
8. Released the bob and instantly start the stop watch.
9. Note the time of 20 oscillations and calculate the time period by using formula.

Time Period = (Time of total Oscillation) / Total number oscillations)

(This time period will be value)

 10. Repeat the procedure 2 to 3 times and take the average time period.

11. Change the positions of the mass and knife edge on the Rod and repeat the same
procedure.
12. Compare it with theoretical values.

Observations and Calculations:

Mass of Metal Bob = 520 g
Dia. of Metal Bob = 50 mm

Mass of Rod = 410 g

Length of Rod = 1000 mm

Table 1 Observation table for Compound Pendulum

Length of rod Time Period Time Period

Sr. # h
L (Theoretical) (Practical)
1
2
3

Graph:
Draw and attach Rod Length vs. Time Period (Practical) graph and Rod Length vs. Time Period
(Theoretical) graph for all sets of readings. The graphs for theoretical and practical time period
should co-exist for comparison.

Conclusion: