Experiment #1

Using a Pendulum to determine gravity

Aim: To calculate a value for gravitational acceleration by tracing the oscillatory
motion of a pendulum.
Apparatus:
Retort stand
Boss head and clamp
1 metre taut string
50 gram mass
Stopwatch
Metre ruler

Method:
1. Set the retort stand on the edge of the des. Tie the string to the clamp !on
the retort stand" and the 50 gram mass to the end of the string.
#. $sing the metre ruler% measure the length of the string from the clamp to
the mass. Mae sure it is appro&imately 1 metre% if it isn't then ad(ust it to
be appro&imately 1 metre.
). *ently swing the pendulum at an angle between )0+,5 degrees from the
normal. -t the same time% use a stopwatch to time 10 complete swings
!bac and forth". Record results into the table.
,. Repeat step ) for at least 5 trials% changing the length of the string every
trial.
The period of a pendulum depends upon the length !l" and the value of acceleration
due to gravity !g"

.ear 1# /hysics #000 1 Mohamad 2obeissi
Rearranging this e3uation gives an e&pression that can be used to calculate g.
Results:
Trial Time for 10
osillations !s"
Period T !s" T
#
!s
#
" $ength l
!m"
g !ms
%#
"
1 #0.14 #.014 ,.05 1 6.06
# 16.5# 1.65# ).46 0.65 6.0,
) 16.10 1.610 ).05 0.60 6.04
, 14.01 1.401 ).,0 0.45 6.06
5 15.61 1.561 ).#1 0.40 6.45
Average: 6.51
Reasons for possi&le variations from the value '() ms
%#

accuracy of e3uipment and human reaction time in the use of e3uipment such
as stopwatch timing and ruler.
String must be tied on tight to the clamp and 50 gram mass so that 7ero
friction will affect the swing.
The height when dropped must always be a constant
Swing must be straight and always in the same position
*onlusion:
8hen the length of the string is shortened% the time interval between initial and final
is decreased% therefore the rate of acceleration is increasing. 8e came out with the
average result of gravity !g" being 6.51 ms
+#
. This wasn't e3ual to the gravity we
now as 6.4 ms
+#
as the accuracy of e3uipment and human reaction time in the use of
e3uipment can not be precise.
.ear 1# /hysics #000 1 Mohamad 2obeissi