PHYSICS I LAB REPORT
COURSE CODE: PHY102L
SPRING 23 - 24
Experiment No. 5
The effect of changing the length of a pendulum on
Experiment Title
its Period
Group No. F
Section No. 53
NO. STUDENT NAME STUDENT ID
1 Reel Mohamed Ahmed 1087742
2 Sabeeha Zainab Hasham 1089042
3 Tehreem Aqeel 1090723
4 Rana Mohamed Elrefaey 1087908
Submission date Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Abstract
The experiment looked at the relationship between the length of a simple pendulum and its period.
We intended to understand how length changes affect the time period of the pendulum's oscillation
by gradually altering the length from 0.35 meters to 0.70 meters and monitoring the time for ten
oscillations at each length. The observations revealed a direct relationship between length and time
period, with longer lengths producing longer durations. To reduce errors, measurements were
performed several times, and systematic and random errors were found and corrected. Despite
limitations in instrument sensitivity, the results showed a precise link between length and time
period, which confirmed existing concepts. This experiment provided useful insights into
experimental methods and data analysis approaches.
Introduction
One important characteristic of pendulum motion is the link between its length and the time required to
complete one oscillation, known as the period. This experiment attempted to investigate this link by
methodically altering the length of a simple pendulum and measuring its corresponding period.
According to theoretical analysis, a pendulum's period (T) is proportional to the square root of its length.
𝐿
The equation below describes this relationship: 𝑇 = 2𝜋√ where g is the acceleration owing to gravity.
𝑔
Doubling the length of a pendulum should result in a period increase of 2 2.
To validate this theoretical prediction, we performed a series of trials in which the pendulum's length
progressively changed. By monitoring the time for a set number of oscillations at each length, we hoped to
see if changes in length resulted in corresponding changes in period, as theory predicted.
To reduce errors and ensure the accuracy of our data, we performed measurements at each length several
times. Both systematic flaws due to equipment limits and random mistakes caused by measurement
imprecision were recognized and addressed. Despite limitations in equipment sensitivity, our findings
revealed an exact link between length and period squared, confirming well-established pendulum motion
principles.
This experiment provided useful insights into experimental methods and data analysis approaches. By
exploring the relationship between length and period squared, we hope to gain a better grasp of simple
harmonic motion and its foundational concepts.
Objective
The objectives of the trial were to study the link between the length of a simple pendulum and the
square of its period, prove theoretical predictions about this relationship, and gain insight into the
principles that govern pendulum motion. The experiment attempted to systematically alter the
length of the pendulum and measure the time for a set number of oscillations at each length,
clarifying how length variations affect the period squared. The experiment attempted to establish
a direct correlation between pendulum length and period squared by conducting rigorous
measurements and analysis, as well as identifying and reducing potential sources of error to ensure
the results were reliable and accurate. Finally, the experiment aimed to improve our understanding
of simple harmonic motion while also providing practical insights into the method of
experimentation and data processing approaches.
Apparatus
• Simple pendulum stand
• Stopwatch / timer
• Ruler
• Motion sensor
• Computer
• Data analysis Software
• Measuring tape
• PASCO interface
Theory:
• Period of oscillation:
the period T of a simple pendulum is the time taken for a complete cycle.
𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒
𝑇 =
𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 oscillations
The Period of the pendulum T is related to the length L by the relation:
𝐿
𝑇 = 2𝜋√
𝑔
• Acceleration due to gravity:
we can also find the value of “g” acceleration due to gravity from the above expression:
𝐿
𝑇2 = 4 𝜋2
𝑔
𝐿
𝑔 = 4 𝜋2
𝑇2
• Frequency:
Frequency is inversely proportional to time taken to complete one oscillation.
1
𝑓 =
𝑇
Calculation and result
Part A
Data Table
Effect of length
Time for 10 oscillations Time Period
Length T2 (s2)
L (m) T(s)
t1 (s) t2 (s) taverage(s)
0.35 1.19
11.92 11.98 11.95 1.42
0.44 13.44 13.37 13.41 1.33 1.77
0.54 14.66 14.73 14.70 1.47 2.16
0.65 16.19 16.30 16.25 1.62 2.62
0.70 16.90 16.81 16.86 1.68 2.82
Calculate gexp = 4𝜋 2 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 % error = 0.10 %
Actual value of g = 9.8m/s2
𝑔𝑒𝑥𝑝 = 4𝜋 2 (0.249) = 9.83 𝑚/𝑠 2
𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 − 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 9.82 − 9.81
% 𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = = × 100 = 0.10 %
𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 9.81
Part B
For a length of 70cm and find the time period by using motion sensor
Length L (0.70m) Time for one oscillation, T
0.70 m 1.70 s
𝐿
Also Calculate gexp = 4𝜋 2 % error = 2.54 %
𝑇2
𝐿 0.70
𝑔𝑒𝑥𝑝 = 4𝜋 2 2
= 4𝜋 2
2
= 9.56 𝑚/𝑠 2
𝑇 1.70
𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 − 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 9.56 − 9.81
% 𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = = × 100 = 2.54 %
𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 9.81
Questions
1. What happens to the period of a pendulum if its amplitude (the angle) changes slightly, what
happens to the period if its length changes, what happens to the period if it’s mass changes?
The time period of a pendulum is not dependent on the amplitude of the setup therefore it is not
significant how much it increases or decreases as the time period will remain the same. This is the
case when the amplitude is within certain limits, and if it exceeds these limits then the motion may
not remain harmonic.
If the length however increases, the time period will increase as well, this can also affect the
frequency of the pendulum. If the mass changes, the period will not be significantly affected in a
simple pendulum however if the distribution was more complex, then other parameters may be
affected. The formula can describe the relationship between period and length:
𝐿
𝑇 = 2𝜋√
𝑔
2. Why is it important to hold the mass and amplitude constant when testing the effect of length
on the period of the pendulum?
Despite the fact that the mass and the amplitude do not have a direct effect on the period, they can
indirectly affect the results if constantly changed. Having these parameters constant can ensure for
the most reliable and accurate results as changing the mass can affect the weight and therefore the
gravitational effect but changing the amplitude can affect the distance travelled in the duration of
one revolution. These may impact the results in a minimal way however increasing more factors
that are not consistent can decrease the reliability of the results.
[Link] you prove the relation between time period and length of the pendulum? Explain
There is a relationship between time period and the length of the pendulum, when plotting the
graph, a linear graph is formed through the relationship time squared vs length. This coincides
with the formula:
𝐿
𝑇 = 2𝜋√
𝑔
This proves that if the length has decreased, the time period will decrease as well, this is shown
through the relation of the time period increasing at the same rate as the square root of the length.
4. What were your predictions before starting the experiment? Does your result match your
predictions before the experiment?
It was predicted that as the length of the pendulum decreased, as would the time taken for one
oscillation. This has proven to be correct, as the time is directly proportional to the square root of
the length of the pendulum, this theory can be proven in the excel graph produced as there is a
linear graph formed.
5. What should you do to the length of the string of a simple pendulum to double its period?
To double the period of the pendulum the length of the string must be quadrupled. This can be
derived from the equation for the period of a simple pendulum which is:
𝐿
𝑇 = 2𝜋√
𝑔
where T is the period, L is the length of the string, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.
If we want to double the period, we need to find a new length, L, such that:
𝐿 𝐿
2𝑇 = 2(2𝜋√𝑔 ) = 4𝜋√𝑔
Dividing both sides of the equation by 2π and squaring both sides, we get:
(2𝑇)2 𝐿 𝐿
2
=4 (2𝑇)2 =
4𝜋 𝑔 𝑔
Substituting the first equation into the second equation and solving for L we get:
(2𝑇)2 (𝑔)
4𝐿 =
4𝜋2
So, the length of the pendulum's string should be increased four times.
7. The acceleration of gravity gets smaller as you increase your distance from the center of the
Earth. For example, if you go to a height that is one earth radius above the surface of the earth the
acceleration of gravity is 2.45 m/s2 (g/9.0). Is the period of a pendulum longer or shorter?
A pendulum at a higher altitude would have a longer period than one at the Earth's surface because
gravity's acceleration decreases by increasing distance from the centerof the Earth. This is because
the period of a simple pendulum is inversely proportional to the square root of the gravitational
acceleration and directly proportional to the square root of the pendulum's length. Consequently,
given a pendulum of the same length, its period will be longer at a higher altitude than it will be at
the Earth's surface since the acceleration caused by gravity decreases with height.
8.A pendulum makes 50 cycles in 12.0 seconds.
a. What is its period?
𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒
𝑇 =
𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 oscillations
12
T = 50 = 0.24 s
b. What is its frequency?
1
𝑓 =
𝑇
1
f= 0.24 = 4.2 Hz
9.A geologist’s simple pendulum, whose length is 45.0 cm, has a frequency of 0.85 Hz at a
particular location on the Earth. What is the acceleration of gravity at this location?
1
𝑓 =
𝑇
1
𝑇 =
𝑓
1
𝑇=
0.85
T = 1.18 s
𝐿
𝑇 = 2𝜋√
𝑔
𝐿
𝑇2 = 4 𝜋2
𝑔
𝐿
𝑔 = 4 𝜋2
𝑇2
0.45
g = 4 𝜋 2 × 1.182
g = 12.8 𝑚/𝑠 2
[Link] the length, in meters, of a pendulum which has a period of 25.5 s.
𝐿
𝑇 = 2𝜋√
𝑔
𝐿
𝑇2 = 4 𝜋2
𝑔
𝑇2 × 𝑔
𝐿 =
4 𝜋2
25.52 × 9.81
L= 4 𝜋2
L = 161.6 m
Discussion:
In this experiment, we aimed to find the relationship between the length and the time period
squared of the simple pendulum. We started by setting the simple pendulum apparatus. Then we
went to change the length of simple pendulum from 0.35 meters to 0.70 meters gradually by adding
and moving turns to the clamp. For each length we found the time of 10 oscillations two times t1
and t2, then we took their average and we converted it to a time period and time period squared.
We observed that the fourth and last trial for each length t1 and t2 were so close to each other
which means that our results are precise. We observed that the time was changing by changing the
length, as it increases by increasing the length. For instance, when the pendulum was 0.35 meters
long, the average time was found to be 11.95 seconds, and for 0.70 meters long it was 16.86
seconds. After that, by using Microsoft excel, we plotted a length versus time squared graph.
Sources of error
▪ Systematic errors: This can occur if an instrument such as the motion sensor has a malfunction
preventing accurate results. This can also occur if instruments are not calibrated properly as the
readings may be higher or lower than the true value.
▪ Random errors: This type of error can happen when recording the time using a stopwatch as
there is a human reaction time which can slightly skew the data. Another error may be in the
reading as, when the time was recorded it was based on a human eye’s perspective of when the
oscillation begins and ends.
How to reduce error
• Improper use of equipment: the length measurement should be read from the center of the
pendulum, as reading it from another point may increase the percentage error.
• Lack of sensitivity of the instrument: limitation of the apparatus, which is in our case the
clamp, when we add a turn, we can’t precisely exact the length to what we want, and that
clearly affects our results accuracy.
To reduce human reaction errors, we repeated each trial multiple times. The percentage error for
the g expected in our case was found to be 2.55%.
Conclusion
To sum up, there is a direct relationship between the length and the time spent on each oscillation.
We observed that by changing the length the time period is changing as well, but the angle does
not have much effect on the time which supports the formula we are using. Lastly, we learned how
to use the simple pendulum experimentally, how to plot graphs on excel, and how to be more
precise in such experiments.