Nikhil Naik

Using a Pendulum Practical Write Up

Background Information:
A swinging pendulum with small angle in conjunction with a small mass performs the back
and forth motion. The period of the pendulum is the time taken to complete a single back and
forth motion. The swing of this depends on the variables length and the rate of acceleration
due to gravity. This concept of simple harmonic motion can be applied in the equation
𝑙
T=2𝜋√𝑔 .

For a gravitational field the field vector is donated as ‘g’. For the pendulum concept of simple
harmonic motion to occur, there must be no friction between the top of the string and
Bossclamp, no dimensions of the mass and no mass of the string.
The acceleration due to gravity’s true value is approximately 9.8ms^-2.
The massive object is referred to the pendulum bob. When this bob is displaced from the
equilibrium and then released it begins a back and forth motion. This motion is repeating and
is known as periodic motion. (Physicsclassroom.com, 2016)

Aim:
To determine the rate of acceleration due to gravity using the oscillatory motion of the
pendulum.
Hypothesis:
The value of g (acceleration due to gravity), will be approximately close to the true value of
9.8ms^-2, however not exact due to the accuracy of measuring devices and human error.

Apparatus:
-Retort Stand -1 m Ruler
-Bosshead and Clamp - Thin metal bars
- 1m of string -Cork
-50g mass carrier
-Stopwatch
 Nikhil Naik

Risk Assessment:

Hazard Risk Precaution

Falling objects The potential of the mass or The mass is securely fasted
entire system of falling on to the string, person has
person. enclosed shoes, and retort
stand is inspected to be
steadily secure to surface.
Bosshead and clamp The person operating the Ensure that fingers are kept
system, could potentially away from Bosshead and
have body ligament trapped clamp, and is operated in an
in mechanism. appropriate manner as
directed by supervisor.

Procedure:
1. The apparatus was configured as evident on the diagram below.
Cork
Boss
Head
and
Clamp
Retort
String Stand

Lab
Bench
50g
Mass

2. The length of the pendulum was measured and recorded, in conjunction with the top
was the support point of the cork, and the bottom was the centre of the 50g mass.
3. The pendulum was moved from equilibrium position to and angle approximately less
than ten degrees from the normal.
4. The pendulum was released, whilst simultaneously the stopwatch began, the
pendulum was left to complete 10 oscillations (back and forth motions), then the
stopwatch was stopped.
5. Step four was repeated three times, to maintain data reliability.
6. The string was shortened by approximately ten centimetres, a further five times. The
angle of release was kept constant approximately <10 degrees from the normal.

Results Table (g from formula without graph):

 Nikhil Naik

Trial Time for Average Period Length of g(ms^-2)

10 Period T^2(s^2) pendulum
oscillations T(s) (m)
(s)
1 19.39 (19.39 3.7249 0.964 10.2
19.35 +19.35
19.17 +19.17)/3
=19.3
T = 19.3
/10
=1.93
2 18.50 1.84 3.39 0.864 10.1
18.45
18.27
3 17.26 1.72 2.94 0.745 10.0
17.10
17.10
4 16.08 1.61 2.58 0.646 9.88
16.10
15.97
5 14.74 1.48 2.19 0.574 10.3
14.87
14.82
6 13.46 1.33 1.77 0.446 9.9
13.11
13.30
Graph:

T^2(s^2)

Length (m)
 Nikhil Naik

Calculations:
T^2=(4Pi^2)/g
m =(4Pi^2)/g
g = (4Pi^2)/m
g = (4Pi^2)/3.87
g = 10.2
Thus g is 10.2 ms^-2

Variables:

Independent Length of String, (Note changing more than

one variable at a time, results in less
validity).
Dependant The time taken for pendulum to complete
oscillation.
Controlled The starting speed of the pendulum.
Angle of release

Diagram:
Cork
Boss
Head
and
Clamp
Retort
String Stand

Lab
Bench
50g
Mass

Data Analysis:
1. Line of best fit for graph, with no outliers identified:
Graph:

T^2(s^2)
 Nikhil Naik

2. Calculations:
𝑇 2 = kl
4𝜋 2
𝑘= 𝑔
4𝜋 2
𝑇2 = .𝑙
𝑔

3.
g= (4Pi^2)/m
4.
T^2=(4Pi^2)/g
m =(4Pi^2)/g
g = (4Pi^2)/m
g = (4Pi^2)/3.87
g = 10.2
Thus g is 10.2 ms^-2

Discussion:
1. This experiment produces very accurate results, due to the reliability. This
incorporates the concept of repeating the procedure multiple times, and to use
statistical methods such as average, line of best fit, outliers etc. To gain a “best value”.
Thus the experiment is as reliable.
2. Sources for error, incorporate the environment and materials. There must be no
friction between the top of the string and the clamp, no dimensions for the mass and
the string must have no mass for this experiment to apply to the derived equation.
Error also incorporates the angle of release, as human error can influence if the
pendulum swings at <10 degrees.
3. To make the procedure more accurate, two components must improve. This
incorporates improvement in reliability and precision. The reliability is improved by of
repeating the procedure multiple times, and to use statistical methods such as
average, line of best fit, outliers etc. To gain a “best value”. Thus the experiment is as
reliable. Where this can be integrated in procedure by repeating the trials at least 10
times, and averaging to gain “Best Value”. The precision can be improved by stop
watching more oscillations such as 20 and dividing this be the number to gain T. Thus
the improvement of the accuracy in the procedure.
 Nikhil Naik

Conclusion:
From theoretically calculating the value of g for the varying lengths, the value of g
approximated to 10ms^-2. The value of g derived from the graph portrayed g to be 10.2ms^-
2. This result is in conjunction with the initial hypothesis of g being close to the true value of
9.8ms^-2. This investigation highlighted the human error and poor precision of mearing
devices. Thus, the value of acceleration due to gravity (g), derived from a graph was 10.2ms^-
2.