EDU 404.

PROJECT REPORT

"EXPLORING THE TIME PERIOD OF SIMPLE PENDULUM : A STUDY OF LENGTH

DEPENDENCY"

Dissertation work submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of degree of

BACHELOR OF EDUCATION IN PHYSICAL SCIENCE By ELTIN JOSE

Reg. No:223240110684

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF Mrs. ASHA V NAIR ASSISTANT PROFESSOR PHYSICAL

SCIENCE

LABOUR INDIA EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY TEACHER TRAINING COLLEGE

MARANGATTUPILLY

CERTIFICATE

I hereby certify that the project work entitled

"EXPLORING THE TIME PERIOD OF SIMPLE PENDULUM : A STUDY OF LENGTH
DEPENDENCY” submitted for the partial fulfilment of requirements for the award of degree of
Bachelor of Education in Physical Science is a bonafide record of work done by ASWATHY
BINU, at Labour India Educational Society Teacher Training College Marangattupilly, under the
supervision of Mrs. Asha V Nair, Assistant professor Physical Science, Labour India Educational
Society Teacher Training College Marangattupilly. I also certify that this work represents
independent effort on the part of the candidate

Mrs. Asha V Nair

Assistant professor
Department of Physical Science
Labour India Educational Society Teacher Training College,
Marangattupilly
Marangattupilly

17/02/2025

DECLARATION

I do hereby affirm that the project work entitled "EXPLORING THE TIME PERIOD OF SIMPLE
PENDULUM : A STUDY OF LENGTH DEPENDENCY" is the result of my course work. It is
prepared on partial fulfilment of the degree of Bachelor of Education in Physical Science at
Labour India Educational Society Teacher Training College Marangattupilly. I declare that this
has not been submitted earlier for the award of any degree. I humbly submit this dissertation for
evaluation.

Marangattupilly

06/03/2024. ASWATHY BINU

Reg. No: 223240110581

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am deeply indebted to many who generally have helped me in completing this project and I
take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to each of them.

First, I thank the Almighty God who showered his abundant blessings on me.
It is a genuine pleasure to express my deep sense of thanks and gratitude to my mentor and
guide Mrs. Asha V Nair, Assistant professor Physical Science. Labour India Educational Society
Teacher Training College, Marangattupilly, Her dedication and keen interest, above all, her
overwhelming attitude to help her students was mainly responsible for completing my work. Her
timely advice and scientific approach have helped me to accomplish the task.

I also express my profound feelings of gratitude to our principal. Dr. Babu Kochamkunnel for
providing all the facilities.

I wish to express my gratitude to my parents, teachers and friends for their help, support,
suggestion and encouragement.

ASWATHY BINU

CONTENT

1.​ INTRODUCTION
2.​ OBJECTIVES
3.​ HYPOTHESES
4.​ METHODS AND PROCEDURES
5.​ DATA COLLECTION
6.​ ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
7.​ FINDINGS
8.​ CONCLUSION
9.​ REFERENCES

INTRODUCTION

The simple pendulum is one of the most fundamental mechanical systems studied in physics. It
consists of a small, heavy bob suspended from a fixed point by a light, inextensible string,
allowing it to swing freely under the influence of gravity. The motion of a simple pendulum is
periodic, meaning it repeats itself at regular intervals. The time taken for one complete
oscillation is known as the time period (T).

This project aims to investigate the relationship between the length of the pendulum (L) and its
time period (T). According to theoretical principles, the time period of a simple pendulum is
given by the equation:

T = 2π√L/g

where g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²). From this equation, we observe that the
time period is directly proportional to the square root of the length of the pendulum.

To verify this relationship, we conduct an experiment by varying the length of the pendulum and
measuring the time taken for multiple oscillations. The collected data is analyzed and presented
in graphical form to confirm the theoretical predictions.

Understanding the behavior of a simple pendulum is essential in various real-world applications,

such as timekeeping in pendulum clocks, seismology, and engineering designs involving
oscillatory motion. Through this project, we aim to deepen our understanding of simple
harmonic motion and validate the mathematical relationship governing the motion of a simple
pendulum.

OBJECTIVES

●​ To study the oscillatory motion of a simple pendulum and understand the factors
affecting its time period.

●​ To establish the mathematical relationship between the time period (T) and the length
(L) of a simple pendulum.

●​ To verify the theoretical formula T= 2π√L/g , where g is the acceleration due to gravity.

●​ To analyze experimental data by measuring the time period for different pendulum
lengths and comparing it with theoretical values.

●​ To plot graphical representations of the variation of the time period with length and
validate the proportional relationships.
 ●​ To understand the practical applications of pendulum motion in timekeeping,
engineering, and scientific studies.

●​ To minimize errors in measurement and improve experimental accuracy by adopting

proper techniques for recording observations.

●​ To observe the impact of external factors like air resistance and amplitude on the
pendulum's motion and time period.

HYPOTHESES

●​ The time period of a simple pendulum depends on its length – As the length of the
pendulum increases, the time period also increases.

●​ The time period is independent of the mass of the bob – The oscillation of the pendulum
is not affected by the weight or material of the bob, as long as air resistance is negligible.

●​ The time period is independent of the amplitude for small oscillations – If the
displacement angle is small (less than 15°), the pendulum follows simple harmonic
motion, and the time period remains constant.

●​ The time period is directly proportional to the square root of the length – Mathematically,
the relationship is given by:

T∝√L

This means that if the length is quadrupled, the time period will only double.

●​ The time period is inversely proportional to the acceleration due to gravity (g) – If the
experiment is conducted in a location with a different gravitational field (e.g., on the
Moon), the time period would change accordingly.
 ●​ A graph of vs. should be a straight line – This would confirm the proportional
relationship between the length of the pendulum and the square of its time period.

These hypotheses will be tested through the experiment by varying the length of the pendulum
and measuring its corresponding time period.

THEORY

A simple pendulum consists of a small, heavy bob suspended by a light, inextensible string from
a fixed support. When displaced slightly from its equilibrium position and released, it oscillates
back and forth under the influence of gravity. The motion of the pendulum is an example of
simple harmonic motion (SHM) when the amplitude is small.

Time Period of a Simple Pendulum

The time period (T) of a simple pendulum is the time taken to complete one full oscillation. It
depends on the length of the pendulum () and the acceleration due to gravity (). The time period
is given by the formula:

T = 2π√L/g

where:

●​ T = Time period (seconds)

●​ L = Length of the pendulum (meters)

●​ g= Acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²)

●​ π = 3.1416 (constant)

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENTS

●​ A metal bob

●​ A long, thin, and inextensible thread

●​ A stand with a clamp

 ●​ A stopwatch

●​ A meter scale

PROCEDURE

1. Set up the simple pendulum by attaching the metal bob to a thread and suspending it from a
rigid support.

2. Measure the length of the pendulum from the point of suspension to the center of the bob
using a meter scale.

3. Pull the bob slightly to one side and release it gently to allow free oscillation.

4. Start the stopwatch when the bob crosses the mean position and count 10 complete
oscillations.

5. Stop the stopwatch when 10 oscillations are completed and note the time .

6. Calculate the time period using:

T = t/10

8. Record all observations in a table.

DATA COLLECTION

First length: 0.30 meters

Set the pendulum length to 0.30 meters by measuring from the fixed point to the center of the
bob using a meter scale.
 Pull the bob slightly to an angle of less than 15° and release it gently. Start the stopwatch when
the bob crosses its mean position for the first time.Count 10 complete oscillations, ensuring the
pendulum moves smoothly without external interference.Stop the stopwatch when the pendulum
completes 10 oscillations. Record the total time taken (t) for 10 oscillations.
Calculate the time period (T) using:
T = t/10

Second Length: 0.50 meters

Increase the pendulum length to 0.50 meters by adjusting the string and measuring it
accurately.Pull the bob slightly and release it gently.Start the stopwatch when the pendulum
crosses its mean position.Count 10 complete oscillations and stop the stopwatch when the
pendulum completes the 10th oscillation.
Record the total time (t) for 10 oscillations.
Calculate the time period (T) using:
T = t/10

Third Length: 0.70 meters

Adjust the pendulum length to 0.70 meters and measure it accurately. Displace the bob slightly
and release it smoothly. Start the stopwatch when the bob passes through the mean
position.Count 10 oscillations and stop the stopwatch at the 10th oscillation.Record the total
time (t) for 10 oscillations.Compute the time period () using:
T = t/10
Fourth Length: 0.90 meters

Adjust the pendulum length to 0.90 meters and measure from the fixed point to the center of the
bob.Pull the bob slightly and release it gently. Start the stopwatch as the bob crosses the mean
position.Count 10 oscillations and stop the stopwatch after the 10th oscillation.
Record the total time (t) for 10 oscillations.
Calculate the time period () using:
T = t/10

Fifth Length: 1.10 meters

Extend the pendulum length to 1.10 meters and measure accurately.Pull the bob slightly and
release it gently.Start the stopwatch when the bob passes through the mean position.
Count 10 oscillations and stop the stopwatch after the 10th oscillation. Record the total time (t)
for 10 oscillations.
Compute the time period () using:
T = t/10
ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

The experiment confirms the relation T = 2π√L/g , proving that the time period depends on the
square root of the pendulum length.

The graphs validate the theoretical predictions by showing the expected relationships between
L,T , and T^2 .

Influence of Length on Time Period

As the length increases, the time period also increases, but not in a linear fashion.

The increase follows a square-root trend, meaning doubling the length does not double the time
period; rather, it increases by a factor of √2.

The observed values are reasonably accurate, though minor errors due to reaction time and air
resistance were present.

This experiment is crucial for understanding harmonic motion and has practical applications in
timekeeping, engineering, and physics research.

OBSERVATIONS

FINDINGS

Relationship Between Length and Time Period

 ●​ The time period (T) of a simple pendulum increases as the length (L) increases.

●​ However, the increase is not linear; rather, it follows a square-root dependence as per
the equation:

T = 2π√L/g

●​ This means that if the length is quadrupled, the time period doubles, proving the
proportionality:

T∝√L

Verification of the Time Period Formula

●​ The experimentally obtained values T closely match the theoretical predictions.

●​ The graph of L vs T^2 is a straight line, confirming that T^2 is directly proportional to L.

●​ The graph of √L vs T produces a straight line, proving that the relationship follows a
square-root function.

Length (L) vs. Time Period (T).

Length (L) vs. Time Period Squared (T^2)

Square Root of Length (L^2) vs. Time Period (T).

CONCLUSION

The simple pendulum experiment effectively demonstrated the relationship between the
pendulum’s length and its time period. The results confirmed that as the length increases, the
time period also increases, but not linearly—it follows a square-root dependence. The
experiment also reinforced the fact that the time period is independent of the mass of the bob
and remains nearly constant for small oscillations.

Through careful measurements and multiple trials, the experiment minimized errors caused by
human reaction time, air resistance, and slight variations in string length. The data analysis,
along with graphical interpretations, supported the theoretical formula, proving the accuracy of
the predictions. Additionally, this experiment provided an opportunity to estimate the
acceleration due to gravity, reinforcing fundamental physics concepts.

Beyond theoretical validation, the experiment highlighted real-world applications of pendulum

motion. Pendulums are widely used in timekeeping devices like clocks, in seismographs for
earthquake detection, and in engineering for stabilizing structures against vibrations. Their
predictable motion plays a crucial role in many scientific and mechanical systems.
Despite minor experimental limitations, the findings aligned well with theoretical expectations,
making this a valuable learning experience. The experiment not only confirmed the principles of
oscillatory motion but also emphasized the importance of precision in scientific observation. In
conclusion, the simple pendulum serves as an essential tool for understanding harmonic
motion, time measurement, and gravitational effects, demonstrating its significance in both
academic study and practical applications.

REFERENCES

●​ Resnick, R., Halliday, D., & Walker, J. (2013). Fundamentals of Physics (10th ed.). Wiley.

●​ Young, H. D., & Freedman, R. A. (2019). University Physics with Modern Physics (15th
ed.). Pearson.

●​ Serway, R. A., & Jewett, J. W. (2018). Physics for Scientists and Engineers (10th ed.).
Cengage Learning.

●​ Nelkon, M., & Parker, P. (2002). Advanced Level Physics (7th ed.). Heinemann
Educational.

●​ HyperPhysics – Georgia State University. (n.d.). Simple Pendulum Concept.

●​ http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu