Pendulum Experiment

Aim
To find the relationship between the length and period of an object on the end of a pendulum.

Equipment

String, mass, stop watch, retort stand, clamp arm and boss head.

Task
Set up the equipment:
● Make sure the clamp stand and clamp arm are firmly fixed and that there is no wobble.
● Attach the pendulum to the clamp arm.
Carry out the experiment:
● The period of a swing is the time it takes to do one complete (side to side) motion. (This time does not change
as the amplitude of the swing changes and so timing multiple swings is an option.)
Write a report that includes:
Method:
● identify the dependent and independent variables
● identify any variables that must be controlled.
● identify how you maximized the accuracy of the data you gathered.
● give all raw measurements in an appropriately headed results table, using appropriate units and significant
figures. (You must make sufficient measurements to allow you to draw a graph that will help you determine the
required relationship.)
Data analysis:
● Plot an appropriate graph to find the type of relationship between period, T and length, l. Draw a curve of best
fit (the raw data will not give a straight-line graph).
● Determine the type of relationship that this graph suggests.
● Process the data so that you can draw a straight-line graph. Plot and draw the straight-line graph.

Conclusion:
Using information from the straight-line graph, state the mathematical relationship between period, T, and
length, l.
Discussion:
Discussion statements should attempt to validate your conclusion. They could include:
● How the findings of your investigation relate to stated physics theory. If an unexpected result is obtained you
should suggest how it could have been caused or explain the effect it had on the validity of the conclusion.
● For the variables you controlled, a description of how each was controlled and an explanation of why it needed
to be controlled.
● For the accuracy improving techniques you used, a description of what you did and an explanation of why it
needed to be done
● A description of any difficulties you encountered when making measurements and an explanation of how these
difficulties were overcome.
● A reason why there was a limit to the range of values you chose for the independent variable.
Additional information
Physics theory states that, for a pendulum of length, l, swinging freely, the period, T is given by:

1
𝑇 = 2π 𝑔
𝑙

Where l is the length of the pendulum and g is acceleration due to gravity (9.81 ms-2).
 Time length

2.13 1.032
2.11 0.994
1.86 0.864
1.46 0.685
1.02 0.46

Aim
The aim of the experiment is to find the relationship between the length of a pendulum, L, and the time period, T.
The theory states that
Where T is the time period of the pendulum, L is length of the pendulum, and g is the
gravitational acceleration on the bob.

Method
Independent variable: Length of pendulum, L
Dependent variable: Time period, T
Controlled Variable:
The angle from which the pendulum is released should be small and consistent for all trials to ensure that the
motion remains approximately simple harmonic.
Pendulum Bob Mass: The mass of the pendulum bob should remain constant throughout the experiment.
Timing Method: The method used to measure the time period should be consistent. If you use a stopwatch, the
same person should perform the timing to maintain consistency.

Maximising the accuracy of the data:

Length (meters) Time (seconds) Average Time

Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3

1.066 2.09 2.16 2.14 2.13

0.989 2.12 2.10 2.11 2.11

0.746 1.85 1.84 1.89 1.86

0.469 1.42 1.52 1.44 1.46

0.212 1.02 1.04 1.00 1.02

Based on the shape of the experiment

L(m) Time (s) √

1.066 2.14 2.13

0.989 2.11 2.11

0.746 1.89 1.86

0.469 1.44 1.46

0.212 1.00 1.02

By substituting the two variables, the gradient and the y intercept into the equation of y=mx + c producing

DISCUSSION
- The period T of a simple pendulum, which is the time it takes to complete one full swing, is given by the

√
formula T=2π (L/g). In this formula, L represents the length of the pendulum, and g is the acceleration
due to gravity, approximately 9.81 m/s^2. This relationship indicates that the period of a pendulum is
directly proportional to the square root of its length and is independent of the pendulum’s mass and
amplitude, provided the amplitude is small.
- y = T(the dependent variable, which is the square of the period)

- x= √L/g (the independent variable, which is the length of the pendulum)

- m = 2π (the slope, determined by the gravitational constant and the constant 2π)
- c = 0 (the y-intercept, which is zero in the ideal theoretical case)

- In the experiment the linear equation was T= 2.007 √L + 0.10377

- The experimental y-intercept c = 0.10377 indicates some systematic error or additional factors affecting
the period, such as friction or air resistance.
- The discrepancies between the theoretical and experimental results in the pendulum experiment can be
attributed to factors that are not accounted for in the ideal theoretical model.
- The theory assumes that there is no air resistance present. In reality, air resistance acts on the
pendulum, causing it to lose energy and slightly increasing the period over time.It also assumes a
frictionless pivot. However, any pendulum has some friction at the pivot point, which also causes
energy loss and affects the period.
- Although typically minor, slight changes in the local gravitational field due to altitude or nearby
 geological formations can affect the pendulum’s period. The theory assumes a uniform
gravitational field of 9.81 m/s², but this can vary slightly depending on the location. This would
lead the experiment to not match the physics theory.
- The period of the pendulum is measured by timing its swings. If the observer is not directly in line
with the pendulum’s motion, parallax error can occur, leading to incorrect measurements of the
period. This error happens because the observer’s angle can make the pendulum seem to cover a
longer or shorter arc than it actually does.

- √
The presence of a non-zero y-intercept ( c = 0.1773 ) in the experimental equation T = 2.007 L +
0.10377 suggests systematic errors. Inconsistent starting points for timing or slight differences in how the
pendulum is released can introduce errors. For example, not starting the stopwatch precisely when the
pendulum begins to swing or stopping it too early or too late can affect the results.
- Controlled Variables
- Release Angle: Variations in the release angle introduce differences in the initial potential energy,
affecting the period of each swing. Large or inconsistent angles can lead to incorrect measurements
of the period, deviating from the theoretical predictions.
- Pendulum bob mass : While the period of a simple pendulum is theoretically independent of the
mass of the bob, it is essential to keep the mass constant to avoid other variables affecting the
experiment. For example, air resistance might have a slightly different impact on bobs of different
masses.
- Timing method: Using different methods or individuals to measure the period can introduce
variability in the data. Human reaction time can lead to systematic errors if not controlled.
Consistent timing helps ensure that the measurements are repeatable and reliable.
- Difficulties Encountered:
- Air resistance and friction at the pivot point can affect the pendulum's motion. While the theoretical
model assumes no air resistance or friction, in reality, these factors are always present to some
extent. These forces can slow down the pendulum and increase its period, causing deviations from
the theoretical values.
- Using a stopwatch to measure the period can introduce human error, including reaction time delays
when starting and stopping the timer. Even small timing inaccuracies can lead to significant errors
in period measurement, especially if repeated over many trials.
-