Experiment #1 Physics .docx
Experiment #1 Physics .docx
Experiment #1
METHOD:
1. Apparatus was arranged as shown above using an initial string length of approximately
100 cm.
2. The string was pulled aside at a very small angle and released.
3. Once the system oscillated smoothly, the time, t₁, for 20 oscillations was recorded,
starting the count from the centre.
4. The procedure was repeated to obtain the time, t₂, for another 20 oscillations using the
same string length, and the average time, t_avg, was calculated.
5. The average time, t_avg, for 20 oscillations was determined using six different string
lengths ranging from 110 cm to 5 cm, along with the corresponding periods, T.
6. The table below was completed, including the uncertainty in length, ΔL, and the
uncertainty in time, Δt.
The relationship between the period T and the length, L, of the simple pendulum is said to be
related by the expression Tn= (4π2 L)/g where n is a constant and g is the acceleration due to
gravity. Transform the given equation for period into a linear one and plot an appropriate straight
line graph.
m = Y2 – Y1 / X2 – X1
= -60 - (-15)/ 3 – 22.8
= -45/-19.8
= 2.27
2. Using the gradient calculate the value of n correct to one (1) significant digit.
n=2
3. Write an appropriate non-linear equation to relate T and l.
Tn = 4π2 L/g
= 4π2 /g x L
4. Using the y-intercept find a value for g justifying the number of significant digits used.
C = -log (4π2)/g
-0.635/-1 = -log (4π2)/g
0.635 = log (4π2)/g
10 0.635 x g = (4π2)/g x g
10 0.635 x g = 4π2
g= 4π2/ 10 0.635
g= 4 x (3.14)2 / 4.3
g= 9.2 m/s2
GRAPH:
Kimoy Nnaocha
Experiment #1
DISCUSSION: The value of acceleration due to gravity, g, obtained from the experiment was 9.2
m/s², which is reasonably close to the accepted value of 9.8 m/s². This slight difference can be
attributed to experimental errors such as air resistance, friction at the pivot, and human reaction
time when operating the stopwatch. Timing errors, although reduced by averaging multiple
measurements and timing 20 oscillations instead of one, still contributed to the uncertainty. The
small swing angle helped to ensure that the simple pendulum formula remained valid. The
gradient of the graph was found to be approximately 2, confirming the expected relationship
between the period squared and the length of the pendulum.
PRECAUTION:
1. Ensure that the pendulum swings with a small and steady angle to maintain simple harmonic
motion and improve timing accuracy.
LIMITATION:
1. The experiment assumes no air resistance and a perfectly rigid, massless string, which is not
fully true in a real setup.
SOURCE OF ERROR:
1. Human reaction time when starting and stopping the stopwatch could cause inaccuracies in
measuring the time for 20 oscillations.