1.

0 Abstract

This experiment was carry out to achieve its objective which is to determine the
mass moment of inertia at the centre of gravity, I G and at the suspension points, I O1 and IO2
by oscillation. Based on the experiment conducted, there are some differences between
the experimental values and theoretical values for I O and IG. The potential factors that
cause to the differences in values are further discussed.
At the second suspension point, O2 it is hard to make sure the wooden pendulum
oscillates uniformly than at the first point, O1. This is due to the error that cause by the
equipment itself. The value of IG and IO from both suspension points is totally different
even though it has same value of mass of the wooden pendulum. From both points
setting, the value of period obtained also different. The time for 10 oscillations was
recorded manually by using stopwatch. The value of T1 and T2 from those two-different
suspension point was calculated after the data has been taken. The value of I G and IO can
be calculated by using the value of T that has been obtained before. By the end of the
experiment, the values of IG & IO by using the theory.

1
Table of Contents

Content Page

Abstract 1

Table of content 2

List of table 3

List of figures 3

Introduction 4

Theory 5

Apparatus 8

Procedure 8

Results 9

Sample of calculation 11

Discussion

Conclusions

References

2
List of Tables
6.0 Results
Table 6.1: Point O1
Table 6.2: Point O2

List of Figures
2.0 Theory
Figure 2.1: Physical pendulum with mass

6.0 Theory
Figure 6.1: FBD O1
Figure 6.2: FBD O2

3
2.0 Introduction
A point-mass hanging on a length of massless string supported rigidly is the condition
that described the idea of a simple pendulum. A light weight wooden pendulum hanging on one
end to pivot approximates these conditions. The mass will perform simple harmonic oscillation if
displaced slightly from equilibrium. Physical pendulum is an extended solid object that free to
swing on an axis, which period is depends on the mass moment of inertia about the rotational
axis and its distance from the centre of mass.
The pendulum is subjected to a restoring force due to gravity that will accelerate it back
toward the equilibrium position when it is displaced from its resting equilibrium position. The
restoring force combined with the pendulum's mass causes it to oscillate about the equilibrium
position, swinging forth and back. The time for one complete cycle when the pendulum is swing
to left and right completely is called the period. The length of the pendulum is mainly influence
the swing period. Around 1602, Galileo Galilei has discovered the regular motion of pendulum
can be used for timekeeping and its became the world's most accurate timekeeping technology
until the 1930s. Anciently, pendulum are used to operate pendulum clock and even used in
scientific instrument such as seismometers and accelerometers. These two instrument were used
as gravimeters to measure the acceleration of gravity in geophysical surveys and even more
important as a standard of length.

4
3.0 Theory

The simple gravity pendulum is an idealized mathematical model of a pendulum. This is a

weight or bob on the end of a weightless cord suspended from a pivot, without friction. When
given an initial push, it will swing back and forth on constant amplitude. Real pendulums are
subject to friction and air drag, so the amplitude of their swings declines.
A physical pendulum is a pendulum where the pendulum mass is not concentrated at one point.
In reality all pendulums are physical, since it is not possible to achieve the ideal concentration of
mass at a single point.
An equilibrium moment is formed about the suspension point to establish the equation of motion.
The pendulum is deflected about the angle, . The component Fr=mgsin of the force due to the
weight applied with the lever arm, rG, at the centre of gravity, G, likewise attempts to return the
pendulum to its initial position.

Figure 2.1: Physical pendulum with mass

5
Given the Mass Moment of Inertia (MMI), IO, about the suspension point, o, and this result in:
I M
=
O

I
=r mg sin
O G

Substitution, linearization and normalization then produce Equation of Motion for the physical
pendulum.

r G mg=0
+
IO

Calculation of the natural frequency and period of oscillation is analogous to the mathematical
pendulum.

6
 =
mg r G
IO

Therefore, the formula for time taken per oscillation is,

T=
2

=2
IO

mg r G

7
4.0 Apparatus

Universal Vibration System (Wooden pendulum, Vee support, Ruler, Stopwatch, Frame)

5.0 Procedure

1. The wooden pendulum is hanged by Specimen A (Vee support) at the suspension point.
2. It is the allowed to oscillate from left to right.
3. The time taken for 10 complete oscillations was recorded by using a stopwatch.
4. Step 2 and 3 was repeated at least 3 times in order to get an average reading.
5. Then, the wooden was the let to oscillate from right to left.
6. Time taken for 10 oscillations was recorded and average reading was taken.
7. Next, step 2 to 7 was repeated by using Specimen B (Vee support).
8. Finally, the Mass Moment of Inertia (MMI), IG and IO are determined by using the equations of
Mathematical and Physical Pendulum.
9. The value obtained is compared with the value obtained from manual calculation.

8
6.0 Results
1 Time taken for 10 oscillations.
a At first suspension point, O1.

Angle, () T1, s T2, s T3, s Tavg, s

From left side 10 14.77 14.44 14.44 14.45
From right 10 14.44
14.37 14.35 14.39
side
Table 6.1: Point O1
b At second suspension point, O2.

Angle, () T1, s T2, s T3, s Tavg, s

From left side 10 14.07 14.13 14.18 14.17

From right side 10 13.70 14.19 13.88 13.91

Table 6.2: Point O2

a At first suspension point, O1.

70
cm

Figure 6.1: FBD O1

b At second suspension point, O2.

72.4
cm Figure 6.2: FBD O2

1
cm

9
2. Dimension of wooden pendulum.

Figure 6.3: Dimension of Pendulum

8 cm

80
cm

2.6
cm

1
cm

45
cm

10
7.0 Sample Calculations
1 Volume of each component.
a Component 1.

V 1=0.08 0.01 0.8

6.4 104 m3

b Component 2.

V 2=(0.01 0.01 0.45)

4.5 105 m 3

c Component 3.

V 3= ( 0.013 )2 0.01

5.309 106 m3

d Total volume of the wooden pendulum.

V pendulum=V 1V 2V 3

6.4 1045.309 106 4.5 105

4 3
5.8969 10 m

2 Total density of wooden pendulum.

m
pendulum= total
v pendulum

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 0.6 kg
4 3
5.8969 10 m
kg
1017.48
m3

3 Mass of each component.

a m1= v 1

1017.48(6.4 104 )
0.651 kg

b m2= v 2

1017.48(4.5 105 )
45.79 103 kg

c m3= v 3
6
1017.48(5.309 10 )
5.401 103 kg

4 Moment of Inertia about Vee Support and Rod Support (Theoretical Calculation)

a Vee Support

Componen y y A (m3)
Area, A (m2) (m)
t
1 0.8 x 0.08 = 0.064 0.4 0.0256
-3
2 0.45 x 0.01 = 4.5 x 10 0.275 1.238x 10-3
3 (0.013)3 = 5.309 x 10-4 0.76 4.034 x10-4
y A =
A = 0.069
0.02724

y
y A = 0.02724 =0.395 m
O1 =
A 0.069

Component 1:
I1 = 1/12 m l + m d

12
 = 1/12 (0.651) (0.8)2 + (0.651) (0.365)2
= 0.121 kgm3
Component 2:
I2 = 1/12 m l + m d
3 3
= 1/12 ( 45.79 10 ) (0.45)2 + ( 45.79 10 ) (0.71)2

= 23.85 x 10-3 kgm3

Component 3:
I3 = 1/4 m r + m d
3 3
= 1/4 ( 5.401 10 ) (0.013)2 + ( 5.401 10 ) (0)2

= 2.282 x 10-7 kgm3

Total:
IG1 = I1 I2 I3
= 0.0971 kgm3
IO1 = IG1 + md2
= 0.0971 + (0.6) (0.395)2
= 0.1907 kgm3

b Rod support

Componen y y A (m3)
Area, A (m2) (m)
t
1 0.8 x 0.08 = 0.064 0.4 0.0256
2 0.45 x 0.01 = 4.5 x 10-3 0.525 2.3625 x 10-3
3 (0.013)2 = 5.309 x 10-4 0.04 2.1237 x 10-5
y A =
A = 0.069
0.02798

y
y A = 0.02798 =0.405 m
O1 =
A 0.069
Component 1:
I1 = 1/12 m l + m d
= 1/12 (0.651) (0.8)2 + (0.651) (0.345)2

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 = 0.1122 kgm3
Component 2:
I2 = 1/12 m l + m d
3 3
= 1/12 ( 45.79 10 ) (0.45)2 + ( 45.79 10 ) (0.225)2

= 4.0352 x 10-3 kgm3

Component 3:
I3 = 1/4 m r + m d
3 3
= 1/4 ( 5.401 10 ) (0.013)2 + ( 5.401 10 ) (0.71)2

= 2.7228 x 10-3 kgm3

Total:
IG2 = I1 I2 I3
= 0.1054 kgm3
IO2 = IG1 + md2
= 0.1189 + (0.6) (0.345)2
= 0.1768 kgm3
5 Moment of Inertia about Vee support (Experimental Calculation)
a Vee Support

Tavg = 14.42s
Therefore:
T1 oscilations = 14.42/ 10 =1.442 sec
T1 oscilations = 2 IO1

mgr

IO1 = 0.05267*(0.6)(9.81)(0.365)
= 0.1131 kg m
IO1 = IG1 + m rG
IG1 = 0.1131 - 0.6 (0.365)
= 0.03316 kg m
b Rod Support

Tavg = 14.39s

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 Therefore:
T2 oscilations = 14.39/ 10 =1.439 sec
T2 oscilations = 2 IO1

mgr

IO2 = 0.05245*(0.6) (9.81) (0.405)

= 0.125 kg m
IO2 = IG2 + m rG
IG2 = 0.125 - 0.6 (0.345)
= 0.0535 kg m3
6 Percentage Error.
a Vee support

For IO1, percentage of error % = (0.1907 0.1131) x 100%

0.1907
= 40.69%
For IG1, percentage of error % = (0.0971 0.03316) x 100%
0.0971
= 65.84 %
b Rod support

For IO2, percentage of error % = (0.1768 0.125) x 100%

0.1768
= 29.30%
For IG2, percentage of error % = (0.1054 0.0535) x 100%
0.1054
= 49.24 %

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