Pendulum Lab BHSH
Pendulum Lab
Name:_________________________________________________________________
Lab Partner:____________________________________________________________
Lab Partner:____________________________________________________________
Lab Partner:____________________________________________________________
Purpose:
To understand the difference between dependent, independent and control
variables.
To analyze the properties of pendulums to determine the relationship that exists
between the different variables affecting its motion.
To compare the effect of changing the properties of a pendulum, one at a time.
Equipment:
string, floss, twine (2-3 kinds)
washers
protractor
ruler or meterstick
aluminum foil
coins
Procedure at Station One-Type of String Investigation:
1. Create three pendulums exactly the same except for the type of string that you
use. Each pendulum should be made of a different type of string.
2. Keep all other characteristics the same:
1. mass on each pendulum (m),
2. length of each pendulum (L),
3. the release angle (θ),
4. and the surface area of the pendulum bob (A).
3. Record all of this data in your lab notebook.
4. Extend bob 10 degrees or less from the equilibrium position (hanging straight up
and down), release the bob while starting to time on the stopwatch. Always try to
use the same release angle (θ).
5. Count 4 complete cycles (back-and-forth) and stop timing as bob completes its 4th
cycle.
6. Record the time for the 4 cycles.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 two more times and record all 3 timings.
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Pendulum Lab BHSH
Procedure at Station Two-Length of String Investigation:
1. Create three pendulums exactly the same except for the length (L) of the string
that you use. Each pendulum should be a different length. For example 50 cm,
75 cm, and 100 cm. Measure each length as accurately as you can from the top of
the string to the center of the bob.
2. Keep all other characteristics the same
1. type of string,
2. mass on each pendulum (m),
3. the release angle (θ),
4. and the surface area of the pendulum bob (A).
3. Record all of this data in your lab notebook.
4. Extend bob 10 degrees or less from the equilibrium position (hanging straight up
and down), release the bob while starting to time on the stopwatch. Always try to
use the same release angle (θ).
5. Count 4 complete cycles (back-and-forth) and stop timing as bob completes its 4th
cycle.
6. Record the time for the 4 cycles.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 two more times and record all 3 timings.
Procedure at Station Three-Mass Investigation:
1. Create three pendulums exactly the same except for the mass (m) of the bob
hanging at the end of the string. Each pendulum bob should be a different
mass. For example 1 washer, 3 washers, and 5 washers. Calculate the mass of
each bob using the mass of each washer and adding.
2. Keep all other characteristics the same
1. type of string,
2. length of each pendulum (L),
3. the release angle (θ),
4. and the surface area of the pendulum bob (A).
3. Record all of this data in your lab notebook.
4. Extend bob 10 degrees or less from the equilibrium position (hanging straight up
and down), release the bob while starting to time on the stopwatch.
5. Count 4 complete cycles (back-and-forth) and stop timing as bob completes its 4th
cycle. Always try to use the same release angle (θ).
6. Record the time for the 4 cycles.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 two more times and record all 3 timings.
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Pendulum Lab BHSH
Procedure at Station Four-Surface Area Investigation:
1. Create three pendulums exactly the same except for the surface area (A) of the
bob hanging at the end of the string. Each pendulum bob should be a different
surface area. Fold the tin foil into different size shapes. Calculate the surface
area of each bob by measuring the dimensions of each of the bobs. Keep all other
characteristics the same:
1. type of string,
2. mass of the bob (m)
3. length of each pendulum (L),
4. and the release angle (θ).
2. Record all of this data in your lab notebook.
3. Extend bob 10 degrees or less from the equilibrium position (hanging straight up
and down), release the bob while starting to time on the stopwatch.
4. Count 4 complete cycles (back-and-forth) and stop timing as bob completes its 4th
cycle. Always try to use the same release angle (θ).
5. Record the time for the 4 cycles.
6. Repeat steps 4-6 two more times and record all 3 timings.
Procedure at Station Five-Release Angle (θ) Investigation:
1. Create three pendulums exactly the same. Keep all the pendulum characteristics
the same:
1. type of string,
2. mass of the bob (m)
3. length of each pendulum (L),
4. and the surface area (A) of the bob.
2. Record all of this data in your lab notebook.
3. Extend bob 10 degrees or less from the equilibrium position (hanging straight up
and down), release the bob while starting to time on the stopwatch.
4. Count 4 complete cycles (back-and-forth) and stop timing as bob completes its 4th
cycle.
5. Record the time for the 4 cycles.
6. Repeat steps 4-6 two more times but each time change the release (θ). For
example, the first time, release the pendulum from 3 away from the equilibrium
position; the second time use a release angle of 6 or 7; the third time use 10.
7. Record all 3 timings.
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Pendulum Lab BHSH
Data:
Record and show all data neatly organized and labeled.
Calculations:
Show all your calculations including equations and work done .
Discussion:
1. What did you learn about pendulums?
2. Which variables seem to have an effect on the time it takes the pendulum
to travel back and forth one time?
3. Discuss your results, and possible sources of error (both human and
apparatus).
Variables:
1. mass on each pendulum (m), measured in kilograms, kg.
2. length of each pendulum (L), measured in meters, m.
3. the release angle (θ), measured in degrees.
4. and the surface area of the pendulum bob (A), measured in square meters
m2.
5. period (T), the time it takes for the pendulum to go back and forth one
time, measured in seconds, s.
surface
type of length of mass of area of release
string string bob bob angle Timing #1 Timing #2 Timing #3
L m A θ t1 t2 t3
Station One
Station Two
Station
Three
Station Four
Station Five
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Pendulum Lab BHSH
To compare the results to the theoretical value which results from the equation
associated with SHM of a simple pendulum derived by Galileo: T = 2(L/g)
Now obtain the period, T from your average time for 4 cycles.
Using Galileo’s equation , determine the experimental value for the acceleration
due to gravity.
Galileo’s equation: T = 2(L/g)
9. Using the known theoretical value of g = 9.8 m/s2, calculate your percent error.
| gTH – gEXP |
% Error = x 100
gTH
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