Lab #1

Name: Darius Billey

Date: 2/8/2024

TITLE: The Simple Pendulum

THEORY: A simple pendulum is a heavy mass (called the bob) attached to a light inextensible

string. The period of a simple pendulum is given by the formula:

T =2 ԥ
√ l
g

By squaring both sides of the formula:

l
T =4 ԥ
2 2
g

This can be rewritten in the form

y=mx+c

4ԥ
2
∗l
2 1
T = +0
g

4ԥ
2
2
T = L+0
g

y=mx+c
 4ԥ
2
Thus if we plot a graph of T2 versus L, then the gradient (m) will be and the y-intercept (c)
g

will be zero (0). From the gradient of this graph, we can find a value for acceleration due to

gravity (g):

4ԥ 4ԥ
2 2
m= → g=
g m

AIM: To investigate the relationship between the length and the period of a simple pendulum.

MATERIALS/ APPARATUS:

MATERIALS APPARATUS

STRING RETORT STAND

BOB STOPWATCH

PROTRACTOR
DIAGRAM:
VARIABLES:

Independent/ Manipulated Variable: Length of String

Dependent/ Responding Variables: Period of the Pendulum and the Acceleration due to Gravity

Controlled Variable: Mass of the Bob

METHOD:

1. Attach the mass (bob) to the end of the string.

2. Measure the string so that it has a length of 50cm (0.50m) and then tie the string onto the

clamp of the retort stand. (Adjust string if necessary to ensure it has a length of 50cm).

3. Drag the mass (bob) to position the string at an angle of 30 degrees.

4. Release the mass, starting the stopwatch simultaneously.

5. Record the time taken for the pendulum to complete ten (10) oscillations.

6. Repeat steps 3 to 5 two more times for the same length of 50cm.

7. Repeat steps 2 to 5 for the other lengths stated in the table below.
RESULTS:

Table showing the format for recording results of the simple pendulum

Length Time taken for (10) oscillations/s The time Period

/m Attempt Attempt Attempt Average taken for one squared
1 2 3 oscillation(th (T2)/s2
e period T)/s
0.10 6.57 6.37 6.10 6.35 0.635 0.402
0.15 8.41 8.08 8.60 8.36 0.836 0.604
0.20 9.99 9.39 9.02 9.47 0.947 0.805
0.25 11.56 10.11 11.11 10.93 1.093 1.006
0.30 11.35 10.09 10.93 10.79 1.079 1.207
0.35 11.88 11.73 11.88 11.83 1.183 1.409
0.40 12.90 12.70 12.91 12.84 1.284 1.610
0.45 13.47 12.93 13.05 13.15 1.315 1.811
0.50 12.68 13.44 13.68 13.27 1.327 2.012
Calculations for Period Squared:

0.1
4ԥ
2
=0.402
9.81

0.15
4ԥ
2
=0.604
9.81

0.2
4ԥ
2
=0.805
9.81

0.2 5
4ԥ
2
=1.006
9.81

0.3
4ԥ
2
=1.207
9.81

0.35
4ԥ
2
=1. 409
9.81

0. 4
4ԥ
2
=1.610
9.81

0. 4 5
4ԥ
2
=1. 811
9.81

0.5
4ԥ
2
=2.012
9.81
DATA ANALYSIS:

1. Plot a graph of the square of the period of the pendulum (in s2) versus length (in m).

2. Draw a best fit line to represent the data.

3. Find the gradient of the best fit line.

4. Use the simple pendulum formula to find the value of acceleration due to gravity (g).

SOURCE OF ERROR/LIMITATION/PRECAUTION:

Protractor and stopwatch.

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, as the length of the string is increased, the period also increases. In other words,

the length of the string in proportional to the period.