safety precautions for simple pendulum experiment

Required Practical: Investigating SHM ( AQA A Level Physics )

Revision note.

Physics Project Lead

Required Practical: Investigating SHM

Equipment list.

• Stopwatch = ±0.01 s
• Metre Ruler = ±1 mm

SHM in a Mass-Spring System

• This experiment aims to calculate the spring constant of a spring in a mass-spring system
• This is just one example of how this required practical might be carried out
• Independent variable = mass,  m
• Dependent variable = time period,  T
• Spring constant,  k
• Number of oscillations

The setup of apparatus to detect oscillations of a mass-spring system

• Set up the apparatus, with no masses hanging on the holder to begin with (just the 100 g mass attached to it)
• Pull the mass hanger vertically downwards between 2-5 cm as measured from the ruler and let go. The mass hanger will begin to oscillate
• Start the stopwatch when it passes the nail marker
• Stop the stopwatch after 10 complete oscillations and record this time. Divide the time by 10 for the time period (which is the mean)
• Add a 50 g mass to the holder and repeat the above between 8-10 readings. Make sure the mass is pulled down by the same length before letting go
• An example table might look like this:

 Analysing the Results

• Obtain an equation for the spring constant,  k 
• Then plot a suitable graph to obtain a value for k
• Start with the time period of a mass-spring system from the equation:

• T  = time period (s)
• m = mass (kg)
• k = spring constant (N m –1 )
• Squaring both sides of the equation gives:

• Gradient = 4π 2 / k
• The spring constant, k , is therefore equal to:

• Where  T 2 and  m  are directly proportional to each other
• The graph is a straight line with a positive gradient

• Where k is found from the gradient of a force F  extension x  graph

SHM in a Simple Pendulum

• This experiment aims to calculate the acceleration due to gravity of a simple pendulum
• Independent variable = length, L
• Mass of pendulum bob,  m

• Set up the apparatus, with the length of the pendulum at 0.2 m
• Make sure the pendulum hangs vertically downwards at equilibrium and inline directly in front of the needle marker
• Pull the pendulum to the side at a very small angle then let go. The pendulum will begin to oscillate
• Start the stopwatch when the pendulum passes the needle marker in its equilibrium. One complete oscillation occurs when the pendulum passes through the equilibrium, to one maximum and then the other, and back to the equilibrium again (not just from side to side)
• Stop the stopwatch after 10 complete oscillations and record the total time. Divide the time by 10 to obtain the time period (which is the mean)
• Adjust the string to increase the length of the pendulum and the wooden block. Repeat the above for 8-10 readings. The ruler is used to measure the string. Ensure it is measured from the wooden blocks to the centre of mass of the bob.
• Oscillations should be counted as follows:

Analysing the Results

• Obtain an equation for the   acceleration due to gravity, g 
• Then plot a suitable   graph   to obtain a value for g
• The time period of a simple pendulum is given by:

• T = time period (s)
• L = length of the pendulum (m)
• g = acceleration due to gravity (m s –2 )
• Squaring both sides of the equation gives

• gradient m = 4π 2 / g

The acceleration due to gravity is equal to:

• Where  T 2   and  L are   directly proportional   to each other
• The graph is a   straight line   with a   positive gradient

• The accuracy of the experiment can be determined by comparing the obtained value of  g  to the accepted value of acceleration due to gravity,  g = 9.81 m s −2

Evaluating the Experiments

Systematic Errors :

• Reduce parallax error by viewing the marker at eye level

Random Errors :

• Record the time taken for 10 full oscillations, then divide by 10 for one period, to reduce random errors
• For the simple pendulum, the oscillations may not completely go from side to side, and the object may move in a circle. Therefore, keep the amplitudes of oscillation relatively small (only a few cm) and repeat any readings that take a different trajectory
• The equation for the time period of a pendulum bob only works for small angles , so make sure the pendulum is not pulled too far out to the side for the oscillation
• For the mass-spring system, the oscillations may not stay completely vertical. Therefore, keep the amplitudes relatively small (only a few cm) and repeat the readings making sure they are vertical
• When setting an oscillation in motion make sure the mass is pulled to the side by the same angle every time 
• A motion tracker and data logger could provide a more accurate value for the time period and reduce the random errors in starting and stopping the stopwatch (due to reflex times)

Safety Considerations

• Place a soft surface directly below the equipment to reduce the damage caused by a falling pendulum or spring
• Only pull down the mass and spring system a few centimetres for the oscillations, as larger oscillations could cause the masses to fall off and damage the equipment
• The wooden blocks must be tightly clamped together to hold the string for the pendulum in place, otherwise, the pendulum may dislodge during oscillations and fall off

Worked example

A student investigates the relationship between the time period and the mass of a mass-spring system that oscillates with simple harmonic motion. They obtain the following results:

Calculate the value of the spring constant of the spring used in this experiment.

Step 1: Complete the table

Add the extra column T 2 and calculate the values

Step 2: Plot the graph of T 2 against the mass m

Make sure the axes are properly labelled and the line of best fit is drawn with a ruler.

The line of best fit should have an equal number of points above and below it.

Step 3: Calculate the gradient of the graph

The gradient is calculated by:

Step 4: Calculate the spring constant, k

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Author: Ashika

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1 Better accuracy from simple pendulums

• Published: June 2004
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This chapter deals with simple pendulums and with several things that can be done to improve their accuracy. Most of the items have only a minor effect on accuracy, but they add up. The pendulum should be enclosed in a case to protect it from the air currents of an open room, which will push the pendulum around and give erratic timing. A metal pendulum rod is recommended over a wooden one. If the pendulum is not temperature compensated, a low thermal expansion metal like iron must be chosen for the pendulum rod. If the pendulum is not temperature compensated, the bob must be supported at its bottom edge rather than at its middle or top edge. Other tips: use a low drag bob shape, walls dose to the pendulum cause a problem with relative humidity; slide the top end of the suspension spring up and down through a narrow slot; keep the number of piece parts and mechanical joints in a pendulum to a minimum.

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16 Oscillatory Motion and Waves

119 16.4 The Simple Pendulum

• Measure acceleration due to gravity.

Pendulums are in common usage. Some have crucial uses, such as in clocks; some are for fun, such as a child’s swing; and some are just there, such as the sinker on a fishing line. For small displacements, a pendulum is a simple harmonic oscillator. A simple pendulum is defined to have an object that has a small mass, also known as the pendulum bob, which is suspended from a light wire or string, such as shown in Figure 1 . Exploring the simple pendulum a bit further, we can discover the conditions under which it performs simple harmonic motion, and we can derive an interesting expression for its period.

We begin by defining the displacement to be the arc length[latex]\boldsymbol{s}.[/latex]We see from Figure 1 that the net force on the bob is tangent to the arc and equals[latex]\boldsymbol{-mg\sin\theta}.[/latex](The weight[latex]\boldsymbol{mg}[/latex]has components[latex]\boldsymbol{mg\cos\theta}[/latex]along the string and[latex]\boldsymbol{mg\sin\theta}[/latex]tangent to the arc.) Tension in the string exactly cancels the component[latex]\boldsymbol{mg\cos\theta}[/latex]parallel to the string. This leaves a net restoring force back toward the equilibrium position at[latex]\boldsymbol{\theta=0}.[/latex]

Now, if we can show that the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement, then we have a simple harmonic oscillator. In trying to determine if we have a simple harmonic oscillator, we should note that for small angles (less than about[latex]\boldsymbol{15^0}[/latex]),[latex]\boldsymbol{\sin\theta\approx\theta}[/latex]([latex]\boldsymbol{\sin\theta}[/latex]and[latex]\boldsymbol{\theta}[/latex]differ by about 1% or less at smaller angles). Thus, for angles less than about[latex]\boldsymbol{15^0},[/latex]the restoring force[latex]\boldsymbol{F}[/latex]is

The displacement[latex]\boldsymbol{s}[/latex]is directly proportional to[latex]\boldsymbol{\theta}.[/latex]When[latex]\boldsymbol{\theta}[/latex]is expressed in radians, the arc length in a circle is related to its radius ([latex]\boldsymbol{L}[/latex]in this instance) by:

For small angles, then, the expression for the restoring force is:

This expression is of the form:

where the force constant is given by[latex]\boldsymbol{k=mg/L}[/latex]and the displacement is given by[latex]\boldsymbol{x=s}.[/latex]For angles less than about[latex]\boldsymbol{15^0},[/latex]the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement, and the simple pendulum is a simple harmonic oscillator.

Using this equation, we can find the period of a pendulum for amplitudes less than about[latex]\boldsymbol{15^0}.[/latex]For the simple pendulum:

for the period of a simple pendulum. This result is interesting because of its simplicity. The only things that affect the period of a simple pendulum are its length and the acceleration due to gravity. The period is completely independent of other factors, such as mass. As with simple harmonic oscillators, the period[latex]\boldsymbol{T}[/latex]for a pendulum is nearly independent of amplitude, especially if[latex]\boldsymbol{\theta}[/latex]is less than about[latex]\boldsymbol{15^0}.[/latex]Even simple pendulum clocks can be finely adjusted and accurate.

Note the dependence of[latex]\boldsymbol{T}[/latex]on[latex]\boldsymbol{g}.[/latex]If the length of a pendulum is precisely known, it can actually be used to measure the acceleration due to gravity. Consider the following example.

Example 1: Measuring Acceleration due to Gravity: The Period of a Pendulum

What is the acceleration due to gravity in a region where a simple pendulum having a length 75.000 cm has a period of 1.7357 s?

We are asked to find[latex]\boldsymbol{g}[/latex]given the period[latex]\boldsymbol{T}[/latex]and the length[latex]\boldsymbol{L}[/latex]of a pendulum. We can solve[latex]\boldsymbol{T=2\pi\sqrt{\frac{L}{g}}}[/latex]for[latex]\boldsymbol{g},[/latex]assuming only that the angle of deflection is less than[latex]\boldsymbol{15^0}.[/latex]

Square[latex]\boldsymbol{T=2\pi\sqrt{\frac{L}{g}}}[/latex]and solve for[latex]\boldsymbol{g}:[/latex]

[latex]\boldsymbol{g=4\pi^2}[/latex][latex]\boldsymbol{\frac{L}{T^2}}.[/latex]

Substitute known values into the new equation:

[latex]\boldsymbol{g=4\pi^2}[/latex][latex]\boldsymbol{\frac{0.75000\textbf{ m}}{(1.7357\textbf{ s})^2}}.[/latex]

Calculate to find[latex]\boldsymbol{g}:[/latex]

This method for determining[latex]\boldsymbol{g}[/latex]can be very accurate. This is why length and period are given to five digits in this example. For the precision of the approximation[latex]\boldsymbol{\sin\theta\approx\theta}[/latex]to be better than the precision of the pendulum length and period, the maximum displacement angle should be kept below about[latex]\boldsymbol{0.5^{/circ}}.[/latex]

MAKING CAREER CONNECTIONS

Knowing[latex]\boldsymbol{g}[/latex]can be important in geological exploration; for example, a map of[latex]\boldsymbol{g}[/latex]over large geographical regions aids the study of plate tectonics and helps in the search for oil fields and large mineral deposits.

TAKE-HOME EXPERIMENT: DETERMINING g

Use a simple pendulum to determine the acceleration due to gravity[latex]\boldsymbol{g}[/latex]in your own locale. Cut a piece of a string or dental floss so that it is about 1 m long. Attach a small object of high density to the end of the string (for example, a metal nut or a car key). Starting at an angle of less than[latex]\boldsymbol{10^0},[/latex]allow the pendulum to swing and measure the pendulum’s period for 10 oscillations using a stopwatch. Calculate[latex]\boldsymbol{g}.[/latex]How accurate is this measurement? How might it be improved?

Check Your Understanding

An engineer builds two simple pendula. Both are suspended from small wires secured to the ceiling of a room. Each pendulum hovers 2 cm above the floor. Pendulum 1 has a bob with a mass of[latex]\boldsymbol{10\textbf{ kg}}.[/latex]Pendulum 2 has a bob with a mass of[latex]\boldsymbol{100\textbf{ kg}}.[/latex]Describe how the motion of the pendula will differ if the bobs are both displaced by[latex]\boldsymbol{12^0}.[/latex]

PHET EXPLORATIONS: PENDULUM LAB

Play with one or two pendulums and discover how the period of a simple pendulum depends on the length of the string, the mass of the pendulum bob, and the amplitude of the swing. It’s easy to measure the period using the photogate timer. You can vary friction and the strength of gravity. Use the pendulum to find the value of[latex]\boldsymbol{g}[/latex]on planet X. Notice the anharmonic behavior at large amplitude.

Section Summary

The period of a simple pendulum is

where[latex]\boldsymbol{L}[/latex]is the length of the string and[latex]\boldsymbol{g}[/latex]is the acceleration due to gravity.

Conceptual Questions

1: Pendulum clocks are made to run at the correct rate by adjusting the pendulum’s length. Suppose you move from one city to another where the acceleration due to gravity is slightly greater, taking your pendulum clock with you, will you have to lengthen or shorten the pendulum to keep the correct time, other factors remaining constant? Explain your answer.

Problems & Exercises

As usual, the acceleration due to gravity in these problems is taken to be [latex]\boldsymbol{g=9.80\textbf{ m/s}^2},[/latex] unless otherwise specified.

1: What is the length of a pendulum that has a period of 0.500 s?

2: Some people think a pendulum with a period of 1.00 s can be driven with “mental energy” or psycho kinetically, because its period is the same as an average heartbeat. True or not, what is the length of such a pendulum?

3: What is the period of a 1.00-m-long pendulum?

4: How long does it take a child on a swing to complete one swing if her center of gravity is 4.00 m below the pivot?

5: The pendulum on a cuckoo clock is 5.00 cm long. What is its frequency?

6: Two parakeets sit on a swing with their combined center of mass 10.0 cm below the pivot. At what frequency do they swing?

7: (a) A pendulum that has a period of 3.00000 s and that is located where the acceleration due to gravity is[latex]\boldsymbol{9.79\textbf{ m/s}^2}[/latex]is moved to a location where it the acceleration due to gravity is[latex]\boldsymbol{9.82\textbf{ m/s}^2}.[/latex]What is its new period? (b) Explain why so many digits are needed in the value for the period, based on the relation between the period and the acceleration due to gravity.

8: A pendulum with a period of 2.00000 s in one location[latex]\boldsymbol{(g=9.80\textbf{ m/s}^2)}[/latex]is moved to a new location where the period is now 1.99796 s. What is the acceleration due to gravity at its new location?

9: (a) What is the effect on the period of a pendulum if you double its length?

(b) What is the effect on the period of a pendulum if you decrease its length by 5.00%?

10: Find the ratio of the new/old periods of a pendulum if the pendulum were transported from Earth to the Moon, where the acceleration due to gravity is[latex]\boldsymbol{1.63\textbf{ m/s}^2}.[/latex]

11: At what rate will a pendulum clock run on the Moon, where the acceleration due to gravity is[latex]\boldsymbol{1.63\textbf{ m/s}^2},[/latex]if it keeps time accurately on Earth? That is, find the time (in hours) it takes the clock’s hour hand to make one revolution on the Moon.

12: Suppose the length of a clock’s pendulum is changed by 1.000%, exactly at noon one day. What time will it read 24.00 hours later, assuming it the pendulum has kept perfect time before the change? Note that there are two answers, and perform the calculation to four-digit precision.

13: If a pendulum-driven clock gains 5.00 s/day, what fractional change in pendulum length must be made for it to keep perfect time?

1:  The movement of the pendula will not differ at all because the mass of the bob has no effect on the motion of a simple pendulum. The pendula are only affected by the period (which is related to the pendulum’s length) and by the acceleration due to gravity.

(a) 2.99541 s

(b) Since the period is related to the square root of the acceleration of gravity, when the acceleration changes by 1% the period changes by[latex]\boldsymbol{(0.01)^2=0.01\%}[/latex]so it is necessary to have at least 4 digits after the decimal to see the changes.

(a) Period increases by a factor of 1.41 ([latex]\boldsymbol{\sqrt{2}}[/latex])

(b) Period decreases to 97.5% of old period

Slow by a factor of 2.45

length must increase by 0.0116%.

College Physics chapters 1-17 Copyright © August 22, 2016 by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Science project, simple harmonic motion: pendulum.

The movement of a pendulum is called simple harmonic motion : when moved from a starting position, the pendulum feels a restoring force proportional to how far it’s been moved. Put another way, it always wants go back to where it started.

Pendulums move by constantly changing energy from one form to another. Because of this, they are great demonstrators of the conservation of energy —the idea that energy doesn’t just appear or disappear; it always comes from (or goes) somewhere . The reason pendulums don’t move forever is because eventually, all the energy ends up transferred to the surrounding environment. But what if you could capture some of that lost energy? This fun demonstration does just that: you’ll use a pendulum to move energy from one place to another.

Use two pendulums to observe energy being moved around within a system.

• Several feet of string
• Weights that can be tied to the string (e.g. heavy washers or nuts)
• Cut a length of string several feet long (roughly 4 to 5 feet). Attach both ends to the ceiling or the underside of a table—any place that will allow the loop of string to dangle freely. Tie the ends far enough part so most of the slack is taken out of the string, and identify the midpoint of the string.
• Cut two more equal lengths of string, each about a foot long. Tie a weight to one end of each string. Tie each loose end to the long, hanging string 6 inches away from the hanging string’s midpoint.
• Steady the weights so that everything is still. Take one of the weights and pull it several inches towards you, away from the long string, and then gently let it go.
• As the weight swings back and forth, watch the other weight. What do you notice? Does the second weight move? Does its motion change over time? How does the motion relate to the first weight? What happens to the first weight’s motion?
• Simply observe the motion of the weights for a couple of minutes. Describe what you see.

At first, the second weight remains stationary while the first weight swings back and forth. Slowly, the second weight will start to move; its motion will be opposite that of the first weight. The arc of the second weight’s swing will get larger as the first weight’s gets smaller. Eventually, the second weight will be the only weight swinging. If you keep watching, the process will reverse itself until the second weight stops and all the motion returns to the first weight.

This experiment shows energy being transferred back and forth between the pendulums. When you pull the first pendulum towards you, you put potential energy into the system: energy that is stored away but not actually doing anything yet. As soon as you release, the potential energy rapidly starts converting to kinetic energy —the energy of motion—as gravity pulls the weight in an arc. At the bottom of the swing, all the potential energy is gone; the pendulum’s energy is entirely kinetic. Then, as the pendulum starts to climb again, the kinetic energy starts transforming back into potential energy until it has climbed as far as it can go. The energy keeps sloshing back and forth like that on every swing: potential turns to kinetic which turns back to potential, over and over.

Pendulums, like all simple harmonic oscillators , are great demonstrators of the conservation of energy : the idea that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred. The energy you end up with has to equal the energy you start with. But if that’s true, how does the second pendulum start moving? Where does its energy come from? Easy: it comes from the first pendulum.

During every swing, a little bit of energy is transferred into the long string the two pendulums dangle from. Start the pendulum swinging again. This time, watch the longest string: it moves! As the pendulum oscillates, it tugs on the string. The string, in turn, tugs on the second pendulum. A tiny fraction of the first pendulum’s kinetic energy goes through the string and displaces the pivot of the second pendulum, causing the second pendulum to swing—and with every swing, a little more energy gets transferred from one pendulum to the other.

Eventually, the first pendulum has no more energy to give to the second pendulum. When this happens, the first pendulum stops, while the second pendulum swings away—but now, the second pendulum pulls on the string. The energy starts working its way back to the first pendulum until eventually, the balance of energy is right back to where it started.

This can’t continue forever. With every swing, energy is also lost to pushing the air out of the way or vibrating whatever the main string is attached to. No system is perfect. Eventually, all the energy you provided is lost to the environment and both pendulums will stop swinging.

Going Further

Experiment with pulling more or less on the first pendulum. How does that affect how far the second pendulum ends up swinging? Do the pendulums swing for longer?

What if you replace the main string with something rigid, like a beam or a dowel? Does the second pendulum start moving? What do you think is going on here?

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Simple pendulum experiment class 11 | labkafe.

Using a simple pendulum, plot its L-T2 graph and use it to find the effective length of second’s pendulum.

• A Clamp With Stand
• Bob with Hook
• Stop Clock/Stop Watch
• Vernier Callipers
• Cotton Thread
• Half Meter Scale

A simple pendulum consists of a heavy metallic (brass) sphere with a hook (bob) suspended from a rigid stand, with clamp by a weightless inextensible and perfectly flexible thread through a slit cork, capable of oscillating in a single plane, without any friction, with a small amplitude (less than 150) as shown in figure 6.1 (a). There is no ideal simple pendulum. In practice, we make a simple pendulum by tying a metallic spherical bob to a fine cotton stitching thread.

               The spherical bob may be regarded by as a point mass at its centre G. The distance between the point of suspension S and the centre G of the spherical bob is to be regarded as the effective  length of the pendulum as shown in figure 6.1 (b). The effective length of a simple pendulum,  L = l + h + r.  Where  l  is the length of the thread,  h  is length of hook,  r  is radius of bob.

The simple pendulum produces Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) as the acceleration of the pendulum bob is directly proportional to its displacement from the mean position and is always directed towards it. The time period (T) of a simple pendulum for oscillations of small amplitude, is given by the relation,

T = 2 π √ (L/g)

Where, g = value of acceleration due to gravity and L is the effective length of the pendulum.

 T2 = (4π2/g) X L             or           T2 = KL (K= constant)

               and,  g = 4π2(L/T2)

If T is plotted along the Y-axis and L along the X-axis, we should get a parabola. If T2 is plotted along the Y- axis and L along the X-axis, we should get a straight line passing through the origin.

• Find the vernier constant and zero error of the vernier callipers same as experiment 1.
• Measure the radius (r) of the bob using a vernier callipers same as experiment 1.
• Measure the length of hook (h) and note it on the table 6.1.
• Since h and r is already known, adjust the length of the thread  l  to make  L = l + h + r  an integer (say L = 80cm) and mark it as M1 with ink. Making L an integer will make the drawing easier. (You can measure the distance between the point of suspension (ink mark) and the point of contact between the hook and the bob directly. Hence you get  l + h  directly).
• Similarly mark M2, M3, M4 , M5, and  M6 on the thread as distance (L) of 90 cm, 100 cm, 110cm, 120cm and 130 cm respectively.
• Pass the thread through the two half-pieces of a split cork coming out just from the ink mark (M1).
• Tight the split cork between the clamp such that the line of separation of the two pieces of the split cork is at right angles to the line along which the pendulum oscillates.
• Fix the clamp in the stand and place it on the table such that the bob is hanging at-least 2 cm above the base of the stand.
• Mark a point A  on the table (use a chalk) just below the position of bob at rest and draw a straight line BC of 10 cm having a point A at its centre. Over this line bob will oscillate.
• Find the least count and the zero error of the stop clock/watch. Bring its hands at zero position
• Move the bob by hand to over position B on the right of A and leave. See that the bob returns over line BC. Make sure that bob is not spinning.
• Now counting oscillations, from the instant bob passes through its mean position L, where its velocity is maximum. So starting from L it traverses LL2, L2L, LL1, L1L hence, one oscillation is completed. We have to find time for 20 such oscillations.
• Now start the stop watch at the instant the bob passes through the mean position A. Go on counting the number of oscillations it completes. As soon as it completes 20 oscillations, stop the watch. Note the time t for 20 oscillations in the table 6.1.
• Repeat the measurement at least 3 times for the same length.
• Now increase the length of the thread by 10 cm or 15 cm (M2) and measure the time t for this length as explained from step 6 to 14.
• Repeat step 15 for at least 4 more different lengths.

Observations:

Vernier constant

Vernier constant of the vernier callipers, V.C. = ______________ cm

Zero error, ±e = _____________cm

Diameter of the bob and length of hook

Observe diameter of the bob:= (i) ______cm, (ii)________cm, (iii)___________cm

Mean diameter of bob, d0 = _________cm

Mean corrected diameter of bob, d = d0 ±e = __________cm

Radius of the bob, r = d/2= ____________ cm

Length of the hook, h= __________cm

Standard value acceleration due to gravity, g1 : 980 cm s-2

Least count of stop clock = ____________s

Zero error of stop clock = ___________s

Table 6.1 Determination of time-periods for different lengths of the pendulum.

Mean  = L/T2 = _______________________

Calculation:

We know ,  T = 2 π √ (L/g)

 Experimental value, g1 = 4π2(L/T2) = ______________________

So, %error = (g-g1)/g *100 = ______________________

L vs T graph

Plot the graph between L and T from the observations recorded in the table 6.1. Take L along X-axis and T along Y-axis. The L-T curve is a parabola. As shown in the figure 6.2. The origin need not be (0,0) point.

L vs T2 Graph

Plot the graph between L and T2 from the observations recorded in the table 6.1. Take L along X-axis and T2 along Y-axis. The L-T curve is a straight line passing through the (0, 0) point. So the origin of the graph should be chosen (0, 0). As shown in the figure 6.3.

Determination of length of a seconds pendulum from graph:

A second pendulum has time-period 2 s. To find the corresponding length of the pendulum from the L-T graph, draw a line parallel to the L-axis from the point Q1 (0, 2). The line interval the curve L-T at P1. So, the coordinates of P1 is (102, 2).

 Length of the seconds pendulum is _____________(102) cm.

To find the length from the L-T2 curve, we, similarly, draw a line parallel to L-axis is form a point Q2 (0, 4). The line intersects the curve at P2. P2 has coordinates (100, 4).

 Length of the seconds pendulum is _______________(100) cm.

Precautions :

• The thread should be very light and strong.
• The point of suspension should be reasonably rigid.
• The pendulum should oscillate in the vertical plane without any spin motion.
• The floor of the laboratory should not have vibration, which may cause a deviation from the regular oscillation of the pendulum.
• The amplitude of vibration should be small (less than 15) .
• The length of the pendulum should be as large as possible in the given situation.’
• Determination of time for 20 or more oscillations should be carefully taken and repeated for at least three times.
• There must not be strong wind blowing during the experiment.
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What are the two precautions taken to ensure accurate results in simple pendulum experiment?

if you are conducting the experiment under a fan, switch off the fan to avoid your pendulum bob to swing in different degree. #stainless

Two precautions taken to ensure accurate results in a simple pendulum experiment are using a long string to minimize air resistance and ensuring the pendulum swings in a small angle to approximate simple harmonic motion.

Richard festus ∙

Make sure Error due to parallax is avoided

Abdulkarim hassan ∙

What is answer

Add your answer:

What are the precautions to b taken while doing simple pendulum experiment?

Some precautions to take while doing a simple pendulum experiment include ensuring the pendulum is hung securely, keeping the amplitude of the swing small to avoid instability, taking measurements at the center of mass of the bob, minimizing air resistance by using a thin string, and ensuring the angle of release is consistent for accurate results.

What are the precautions in compound pendulum?

Ensure the length of the pendulum is accurately measured to maintain the accuracy of the experiment. Take precautions to minimize air resistance by conducting the experiment in a controlled environment. Ensure the pivot point is frictionless to reduce energy losses and improve the accuracy of the results.

What is the effect of draught in a simple pendulum experiment?

In a simple pendulum experiment, air resistance or drag can affect the motion of the pendulum by slowing it down. This can lead to discrepancies in the period and amplitude of the pendulum swing compared to theoretical calculations. It is important to minimize the effects of air resistance in order to obtain accurate results in the experiment.

Why is a simple pendulum bob preferred to bobs of irregular shapes for use in the simple pendulum experiment?

it is less ffected by air resistance

What is the precaution taken on specific heat capacity experiment?

Some precautions taken during a specific heat capacity experiment include ensuring the apparatus is properly calibrated, using consistent and accurate measurements, minimizing heat loss to the surroundings, and maintaining a controlled environment to reduce external influences on the results. These precautions help ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data collected during the experiment.

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