Experiment Name: To determine the value of ‘g’ acceleration due to gravity by

means of a compound pendulum.

Theory: Compound pendulum is a rigid body of any shape free to turn about a
horizontal axis. The one used in this experiment is a uniform rod suspended at
different locations along its length. Hench the motion is simple harmonic, with period
of vibration is given by
𝐼
T = 2π√ . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . .(1)
𝑀𝑔ℎ

Where , I is the rotational inertia of the pendulum about the axis of suspension,
M is the pendulum mass and h is the distance between the suspension point and the
center of mass.
In figure 01. Using the parallel axis theorem, we get
I = IG + Mh2 . . . .. . . .. . .. . .. . ..(2)
Where , IG is the rotational inertia of the body about its center of mass and it is given
by
IG = MK2 . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .(3)
Where , K is the radius of gyration. Substituting equation (3) in equation (2),
I = M (h2 + K2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(4)
Now substituting equation (4) in equation (1), we get
𝐌 (𝐡𝟐 + 𝐊 𝟐 )
T = 2π√
𝑴𝒈𝒉

𝐡𝟐 + 𝐊 𝟐
Or , T = 2π√ . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . .(6)
𝒈𝒉
The period of the simple pendulum is given by
𝑳
T = 2π√ . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . .(7)
𝒈

The period of a compound pendulum equals the period of a simple pendulum of a

length [Compare equation 06 & 07] is given by
𝑳 𝐡𝟐 + 𝐊 𝟐
2π√ = 2π√
𝒈 𝒈𝒉
𝒉𝟐 +𝑲𝟐
Or, L =
𝒉
Or, h2 + k2 = Lh
Or, h2 + (-L)h + k2 = 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(8)
This quadratic equations can be solved to find L and K,
L = h1 + h2 and K =√𝒉𝟏 𝒉𝟐
So, we get from equation (7)
𝑳
T = 2π√
𝒈
𝟒𝝅𝟐 𝑳
Or, T2 =
𝒈
𝑳
Or, g = 4π2 . . .. . . . . . .. .. . . .. (9)
𝑻𝟐

Putting the value of L and T2 in equation (9), we can calculate the acceleration due to
gravity g.

Apparatus :
(i). A bar pendulum
(ii). A small metal wedge
(iii). A beam compass
(iv). A Stop-watch
(v). A meter Scale etc.

Procedure :
(i). First we hanged the pendulum horizontally and move it until it reached equilibrium
so we can find the center of mass and mark it.
(ii). We measured the length from the end A of the bar to the top of the first hole i.e.
up to the point of suspension of the pendulum. In the same way , suspend the bar at
holes 2,3,………..9 and each time note times for 10 oscillations. Also we measured
distances from the end A and end B for each hole.
(iii). We calculated the time period T from the time recorded for 10 oscillations.

Draw Graph :
(i). On a nice and large graph paper, plot a curve with length as abscissa and time
period T as ordinate with the origin at the middle of the paper along the abscissa.
(ii). Through the point on the graph paper corresponding to the centre of gravity of the
bar, draw a vertical line. Draw a second line ABCD along the abscissa. AC or BD is the
length of the equivalent simple pendulum.
Data Collection:
(A) Table for the time period T and the distance L of the point of suspension from
the end A and the end B.
At Hole Distance from Time for 10 Mean Time period
the number support to C.G. Oscillations time T = (t/10)
top (L) cm Sec t (sec) sec
1
2
3
4
End
5
(A)
6
7
8
9
1
2
3
4
End
5
(B)
6
7
8
9

Calculation :
From graph,
Length AC = AO + OC
= cm
= cm
Length BD = BO + OD
= cm
= cm
𝐀𝐂+𝐁𝐃
Mean Length , L = 𝟐 cm
= cm
= cm
Corresponding time–period from the graph,
T= sec
From equation (9) we get,
𝑳
g = 4π2
𝑻𝟐
= cm/sec2
= cm/sec2
Actual Value = 981 cm/sec2
Experimental value = cm
𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒~𝐸𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒
Percentage of Error =
𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒

= ×100 %
= %
Result: The value of g [acceleration due to gravity] using a compound pendulum is
cm/sec2

Percentage of Error =

Precautions & Discussions:

(i). We ensure that the pendulum oscillates in a vertical plane and that there is no
rotational motion of the pendulum.
(ii). The amplitude of oscillation should remain within 40 of arc.
(iii). We use a precision stop-watch and note the time accurately as far as possible.
(iv). The angle is observed with our eyes and at different position so we get some
error.
(v). The time taken for the pendulum swing is also questionable as it is observed
also with our eyes.