Simple Pendulum Experiment - Lab Report PHYSICS
Simple Pendulum Experiment - Lab Report PHYSICS
Criterion B
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
𝑙
T = 2 √𝑔
T α √𝑙
T2 α 𝑙
Square of the time-period is related to the length of the pendulum
5. Procedure:
Materials required:
a) Retort stand
b) String
c) Pendulum bob
d) Stopwatch
e) Rubber cork
f) Meter Scale
Definitions:
Pendulum bob = the mass at the end of the string.
Pendula = plural of pendulum (not pendulums
Pendulum = pendulum bob and string (see
below)
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:
2.6618−1.5277
m= = 0.0454
60−35
𝑙
T = 2 √𝑔
Squaring on both sides
𝑙
T2 = 42 x 𝑔
𝑇2 42
=
𝑙 𝑔
Since l = cm (We need to ensure the units are in C.G.S system of units)
𝑚 𝑐𝑚
g = 9.8 𝑠2 = 980 𝑠2
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.
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?