Exp 1. Simple Pendulum
Exp 1. Simple Pendulum
Theory
A simple pendulum is an idealized model comprising a point mass suspended by a
weightless, stretchable string in a uniform gravitational field such that when the mass
bob is slightly pulled to one side of its equilibrium position and released, its equilibrium
position executes a simple harmonic motion. The theory suggests that the determination
of the period f oscillation of a simple pendulum is governed by three aspects i.e.
amplitude, length and mass. Hence, it is desirable to separate and study in details the
effects of the variable on the period of oscillation of the pendulum.
Procedure
A. Varying θ while L and M are kept constant.
Keep the length L of the string and mass M of the bob constant while you vary the
amplitude, θ, in the range 0-90. Time 20 oscillations each time you vary the amplitude
and evaluate the periodic time, T. tabulate your results and plot a graph of time T
versus θ. What do you observe?
Amplitude, θ Time for 10, oscillations Period T (s)
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
20g
40g
60g
80g
100g
20
30
40
50
60
70
i. Tabulate your results and plot a graph of T versus L. what type of graph do you
get?
ii. Plot a graph of 𝑇2 versus L. what type of graph did you get? What is its slope and
unit?
𝑙
iii. The theoretical relationship between T and L is given as 𝑇 = 2π√𝑔 ,Now evaluates
the acceleration due to gravity, g, from this theoretical relationship and your value of
k account for your discrepancies of x and g.
Solution
If your experiment was properly done, your results should suggest this relationship; 𝑡 =
𝑇 2 ∞𝐿 or 𝑇 2 = K𝐿 where k is a constant (gradient). To solve for K and g , we substitute it
in the gradient of the equation.