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Investigatory Project Simple Pendulum

This project investigates the local acceleration due to gravity using a simple pendulum by measuring its length and time period. The experiment applies the principles of simple harmonic motion to calculate g, with results approximating the standard value of 9.8 m/s². Acknowledgments, precautions, and a bibliography are included to support the research and findings.

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35 views4 pages

Investigatory Project Simple Pendulum

This project investigates the local acceleration due to gravity using a simple pendulum by measuring its length and time period. The experiment applies the principles of simple harmonic motion to calculate g, with results approximating the standard value of 9.8 m/s². Acknowledgments, precautions, and a bibliography are included to support the research and findings.

Uploaded by

hriday.shetty.hriday
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Physics Investigatory Project

Title:
Determining Local Acceleration Due to Gravity Using a Simple Pendulum

Submitted By:
[Your Name]

Roll No: [Your Roll No.]

Class: 11th

Subject: Physics

Acknowledgments
I extend my sincere gratitude to my Physics teacher, [Teacher’s Name], for providing
guidance and valuable feedback throughout this project. I also thank [Laboratory Assistant’s
Name] for the equipment support, and my friends and family for their encouragement,
which motivated me to work diligently.

Table of Contents
1. Introduction

2. Aim of the Project

3. Theory

4. Experimental Setup and Apparatus

5. Procedure

6. Observations and Data Analysis

7. Results and Calculations

8. Conclusion

9. Precautions

10. Bibliography
1. Introduction
The simple pendulum has fascinated scientists and engineers since the time of Galileo,
serving as a model for understanding periodic motion and forces. The aim of this project is
to use a simple pendulum to experimentally determine the local acceleration due to gravity
(g). By studying the relationship between a pendulum’s length and oscillation period, we
can apply mathematical principles of harmonic motion to find g with considerable accuracy.
This experiment not only verifies theoretical physics concepts but also helps us gain
practical insights into experimental error, precision, and measurement.

2. Aim of the Project


To accurately determine the local acceleration due to gravity (g) by measuring the length
and time period of a simple pendulum.

3. Theory
For small-angle oscillations, a simple pendulum exhibits simple harmonic motion (SHM).
The time period T of a simple pendulum is given by:

T = 2π √(L/g)

where:
- T: Time period in seconds
- L: Length of the pendulum in meters
- g: Acceleration due to gravity in m/s².

Rearranging this to solve for g:

g = (4π² L) / T²

This equation shows that by measuring the length L and time period T, we can calculate g
experimentally.

Assumptions:
- Small oscillations (displacement angle < 15°) ensure simple harmonic motion.
- The string is massless, and the bob is a point mass, allowing the pendulum to approximate
an ideal system.

4. Experimental Setup and Apparatus


Apparatus Required:

1. Retort stand with clamp for stable pendulum support.


2. String (inextensible) for pendulum suspension.
3. Metal bob (dense and compact) for uniform oscillation.
4. Stopwatch with 0.01s accuracy for precise timing.
5. Meter scale for length measurement.
6. Protractor for setting a small initial angle.

Setup:
1. Attach the bob to the string and suspend it from the clamp on the retort stand.
2. Measure the length L accurately from the pivot to the bob’s center of mass.
3. Conduct the experiment in a quiet area to avoid disturbances.

5. Procedure
1. Set Up the Pendulum: Attach the bob to the clamp stand and measure its length L.
2. Displace the Pendulum: Pull the bob back slightly (angle < 15°) and release it gently to
start oscillation.
3. Measure Time Period T: Record the time for 10 oscillations with the stopwatch. Divide by
10 to find the average time period T.
4. Repeat for Multiple Lengths: Vary L (e.g., 0.5m, 0.7m, 1.0m) and repeat the measurement
of T for each length to ensure accuracy.
5. Calculate g: Use L and T values to calculate g for each setup, then average the values for
consistency.

6. Observations and Data Analysis


Observation Table:

| Length L (m) | Time for 10 Oscillations (s) | Average Time Period T (s) | Calculated g
(m/s²) |
|-------------|------------------------------|-------------------------|-----------------------|
| 0.5 | [Recorded Time] | [Calculated T] | [Calculated g] |
| 0.7 | [Recorded Time] | [Calculated T] | [Calculated g] |
| 1.0 | [Recorded Time] | [Calculated T] | [Calculated g] |

Analysis:
Using the average T and L values for each trial, we calculate g by substituting into the
formula:

g = (4π² L) / T²

Average the results to find a final value for g.


7. Results and Calculations
For each length L, substitute the corresponding T into the equation for g. Here’s an example
calculation:

If L = 1 m and T = 2.00 s:

g = (4 × (3.14)² × 1) / (2.00)² ≈ 9.8 m/s²

Graphical Analysis (Optional):


Plotting T² vs. L gives a linear graph, with the slope representing g / (4π²). By calculating
the slope, we can independently verify g using the graph.

8. Conclusion
This experiment provided a practical understanding of periodic motion and accurately
calculated the acceleration due to gravity. The observed value of g approximated the
standard 9.8 m/s², confirming the utility of the pendulum in measuring gravitational force.

Error Analysis:
1. Timing Errors: Reaction time affects the start and stop of the stopwatch.
2. Environmental Interference: Air currents may impact the oscillations.
3. Assumption Limitations: SHM is only approximate at small angles.

9. Precautions
1. Ensure minimal environmental disturbances (e.g., no air drafts).
2. Displace the bob at a small angle to maintain SHM.
3. Take multiple measurements to minimize random errors.
4. Measure the length and time accurately, and repeat for consistency.

10. Bibliography
1. Halliday, D., Resnick, R., & Walker, J. Fundamentals of Physics. Wiley.
2. Young, H. D., & Freedman, R. A. University Physics with Modern Physics. Pearson.
3. Additional online resources on harmonic motion and gravitational measurement.

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