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Simple Pendulum Experiment - Lab Report

The document outlines an experiment investigating the relationship between the length of a pendulum and its time period for one oscillation, identifying the length as the independent variable and the time period as the dependent variable. The hypothesis suggests that an increase in pendulum length will result in a longer time period for oscillation, supported by collected data showing a positive linear relationship. The document also includes suggestions for improvements and extensions to the experiment, such as varying the angle of release and conducting tests in different locations.

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12 views7 pages

Simple Pendulum Experiment - Lab Report

The document outlines an experiment investigating the relationship between the length of a pendulum and its time period for one oscillation, identifying the length as the independent variable and the time period as the dependent variable. The hypothesis suggests that an increase in pendulum length will result in a longer time period for oscillation, supported by collected data showing a positive linear relationship. The document also includes suggestions for improvements and extensions to the experiment, such as varying the angle of release and conducting tests in different locations.

Uploaded by

anshbatra225
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Simple Pendulum Experiment

Investigating the relationship between length of the pendulum


and time-period for one oscillation.

Criterion B

1. Identifying the variables:


Independent Variable: Length of the pendulum
Dependent Variable: Time period for one oscillation
Control variable: Angle of release, Same pendulum bob and material of the
string.

2. Research Question:
How does the length of the pendulum measured in cm using
a metre scale for a range of 35cm to 60cm with increments
of 5cm affect the time-period for one oscillation measured in
seconds using a stopwatch while keeping angle of release,
mass of the pendulum bob and material of the string same
throughout the investigation?

or

How does the length of the pendulum affect the time-period


for one oscillation?
3. Hypothesis:
If the length of a pendulum increases, then the time it takes for the pendulum to
complete one full swing will also increase. This happens because a longer
pendulum must swing through a greater distance, resulting in a longer duration
for each complete oscillation.
or
the time-period of a pendulum is directly related to the length of the pendulum.

T = 2 l
T α √𝑙
√ g

T2 α 𝑙
Square of the time-period is related to the length of the pendulum

4. Manipulating the variables:


IV: The length of the pendulum can be manipulated by changing the length of the
string in increments of 5 cm as measured by a metre scale for a range of 35 cm to
60 cm. Length of the string is measured using a metre scale from the point of
suspension to the half of the metal bob and fix the string to the retort stand.
DV: The time-period for one oscillation is measured in seconds using a digital
stopwatch. For a length of 35 cm, time taken for 20 oscillation is recorded. Two
trails are conducted for each length. Time period for one oscillation is calculated
by dividing the time taken for 20 oscillations by 20.
CV: The control variables are angle of release, friction at the point of suspension
and material of the string. These variables should be controlled through the
experiment because to avoid variations in the time-period. Controlling these
variables helps isolate the effect of length on the time-period, leading to more
accurate and reliable conclusions.
5. Procedure:

Materials required:

a) Retort stand
b) String
c) Pendulum bob
d) Stopwatch
e) Rubber cork
f) Meter Scale

i. Tie the pendulum bob to the end of the string.


ii. Measure and record the length of the pendulum from the point of
suspension to the center of the pendulum bob.
iii. Set the pendulum in motion and measure the time (period) it takes to
complete ten oscillations using the stopwatch.
iv. Repeat the measurements for different lengths of the pendulum (e.g., 30
cm, 35 cm, 40 cm, 45 cm, 50 cm, 55 cm, and 60 cm.

Definitions:
Pendulum bob = the mass at the end of the string.
Pendula = plural of pendulum (not pendulums
Pendulum = pendulum bob and string (see
below)

This part is the actual pendulum –


the supporting stand and wooden
block are just there to show how
you might set it up

(Diagram © Nelson Cengage Learning – P.190, Physics for the international


student, book 4/5, 2015 2nd edition)
Criterion C: Processing and Evaluating

1. Raw Data Table:

Length of the Time period for 20


pendulum / l (cm) oscillations / t
(Seconds)
Trial 1 Trail 2
x y x+ y
Average (t = 2 )

35 25.25 24.19 24.72


40 27.96 27.22 27.59
45 28.47 28.15 28.32
50 30.38 30.22 30.30
55 31.25 31.31 31.28
60 33.40 31.86 32.63

2. Processed Data Table:

Length of the Time period for one T2 ( s2 )


pendulum / l oscillation / T (s)
(cm) t
T = 20 (seconds)

35 1.2360 1.5277
40 1.3795 1.9030
45 1.4160 2.0050
50 1.5150 2.2952
55 1.5640 2.4461
60 1.6315 2.6618
Interpreting the results:

1. The relationship is positive, as the y-variable increases the x-variable also


increases.
2. As the graph shows a straight line, it is a linear relationship
3. It’s a straight line passing through origin, the square of the time-period
and length of the pendulum are directly proportional to each other.

Calculating slope/gradient (m):

1) From the graph:


y 2− y 1
Slope (m) = x −x
2 1

A (35, 1.5277) & F (60. 2.6618)

2.6618−1.5277
m= 60−35
= 0.0454

2) From the formula:

T = 2 l
√ g
Squaring on both sides
l
T2 = 42 x g
2 2
T
=4
l g

Since l = cm (We need to ensure the units are in C.G.S system of units)

m cm
g = 9.8 2 = 980 2
s s

2 2 2
T 39.4384
= 4 = 4 x 3.14 = = 0.0402
l g 980 980

Conclusion:
The graph shows that the square of the time-period of the pendulum is directly
proportional to the length of the pendulum. As the length of the pendulum
increases from 35 cm to 60 cm. The Square of time-period for one oscillation
also increased from 1.5277 s2 to 2.6618.

Evaluating the Hypothesis:


The hypothesis for this investigation was as the length of the pendulum
increases then the time-period for one oscillation also increases. My hypothesis
is supported by the data collected and from the graph length of the pendulum is
directly related to the time-period for one oscillation.

Suggesting Improvements:
Improvement of method:
A possible improvement to the experiment that would benefit the scientific
investigation would be using a G-clamp to the retort stand and conduct 3
trails by changing the length of the pendulum. It would lead to more
accurate information that is essential for proper data collection.

Extension of method:
A possible extension to the method that would benefit the scientific
investigation would be to change the angle of release and measuring the time
-period for one oscillation.
How does the angle of release of pendulum affect the time-period one
oscillation?
Or
A possible extension to the method that would benefit the scientific
investigation would be to conduct the experiment at different locations such
as on a hilltop, on a plain, in an elevator. The time-period of a simple
pendulum is inversely proportional to the square root of the gravity.

How does the location of the pendulum such as hilltop, plain land or an
elevator affect the time-period for oscillation?

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