LAB 14: PAPERCLIP PENDULUM

Problem Statement: Paperclips may be linked in a chain and swung as a single unit, as shown in the
diagram. The period ‘T’ depends on ‘n’, the number of clips linked together. A student suggests that
T=Kn, where K is a constant. Design an experiment to test this theory.

Hypothesis:

AIM: To investigate the period of a pendulum

APPARATUS & MATERIALS: paperclips, cork retort stand, stopwatch, needle

Figure 1

Method:

Observations/ Results:

Table showing number of paperclips, time for a specified number of oscillations, and Period.

Calculations:

Tαn
T= Kn
Variables:
Interpretation of Data
Sources of error/limitation
Possible Precautions
Lab #14- Paper Clip Pendulum Marks
Skills Assessed: P/D
Develops appropriate hypothesis (1) ____
Workable logical plan (1) ____
Identifies dependent variable (1) ____
Identifies independent variable (1) ____
Shows how results are measured (1) ____
Shows how results are calculated (1) ____
Shows how results confirm or disprove
____
hypothesis (1)
Repetition/averaging (1) ____
Non-standard precautions identified
____
(2)
Total (10) ____