Simple Pendulum Name_________
To determine the value of the gravitational acceleration by using a simple pendulum.
Each lab counts for 20 points and it is about 1.42% of the total grade, each little
point counts, do not miss it!
Introduction
Lab goals
To be able to perform an experiment independently, to take measurements, obtain
results, and interpret them correctly. To estimate the accuracy of experimental results.
Material needed
1. A small object with a hole such as a bead or nut, and a long sewing thread. Do
not use shoe laces, and the bead or nut must be heavy so that the thread is taut
all the time. (For thread you may use dental floss, for example).
2. A measuring tape (or ruler) and a watch. If you don't have a watch, you can use
your cell phone to measure the passing time.
3. Scissors, a pencil and a scotch tape.
Theory
A simple pendulum consists of an object with negligible size hanging on a string. When
the object is deflected from its equilibrium, it swings (oscillates) back and forth. The time
for one complete cycle (oscillation) is called the period of oscillation, T. For small angles
of oscillations, the period of the simple pendulum is given by the following formula:
T =2 π
√ L
g
,
where L is the length of the pendulum and g is the gravitational acceleration or
acceleration due to gravity.
In order to increase the accuracy of the final result, the time of the oscillations must be
measured several times. The average of these values will be taken as the time it takes
for the pendulum to swing.
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Activity
Table
Tape
Pencil
Thread
and
bead
1. Cut a string approximately between 60 cm and 80 cm. Tie one end of the string
to the bead and the other to the pencil.
2. Tape the pencil onto a table or any other surface, so that the bead is hanging
freely. The pencil must be perpendicular to the edge of the table. This is your
simple pendulum.
3. Measure the length L of the string from the pencil center to the bead.
4. Pull the bead approximately 5 cm to the side from its equilibrium position and let
it go. It is not important to be accurate on these 5 cm steps, as long as every trial
starts from a small angle.
5. Measure the time for 10 oscillations, t, and write it down.
6. Repeat the procedure seven times and in Table 1 record your data as t1, t2,
t3….
7. Average the seven values and report the average on the table as tav.
8. Determine the period of oscillation by dividing the time tav by 10. Report the value
on the last column of the table.
9. Include here a picture of your set up. (2 points) [Picture]
10. Record your measurements in the following table:
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Table 1 (7 pts.)
L
(m) t1 (s) t2 (s) t3 (s) t4 (s) t5 (s) t6 (s) t7 (s) tav (s) Tav (s)
Results
Using the formula for the period of a simple pendulum, determine the gravitational
acceleration, g. Show your work clearly here: (4pts)
[Show work]
Write down the results in the following table: (1pts)
Calculated acceleration
of gravity
L (m) Tav (s)
g (m/s2)
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Questions
1) How accurate is your result. Compare with the standard/acceptable value for the
gravitational acceleration (g). (1 point)
[Answer]
Write your experimental value of the gravitational acceleration: [Answer]
Write the established value of the gravitational acceleration: [Answer]
The two values agree to which digit: (1 pts) [Answer]
2) List all the factors (order them according to their impact) that might have affected the
accuracy of your results. (2 points)
[Answer]
3) Which of the above factors can be removed and which were outside your control?
(2 points)
[Answer]
Acknowledgement: Dr. Tatiana Stantcheva, NVCC
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