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Experiment No. 7
Measuring Acceleration Due to Gravity

Objectives
To determine the exact measurement of the acceleration due to gravity using
a simple pendulum

Theory and Analysis

The period of oscillation for 10 oscillations is measured and from the duration 𝜏 for
the oscillation determined.

Period of time for 10 oscillation -s

Duration T-s
From the formula of the period of oscillation

𝐿
T = 2𝜋
𝑔

Acceleration due to gravity

𝐿
g=4𝜋 2 𝑇2

T- Time period of simple pendulum (s)

g- Acceleration due to gravity (m/s2)
L-length of the pendulum (m)
 Figure 7 Simple Pendulum

Procedure:
1. Attach two (2) slotted weights at 50g.
2. The length of pendulum is about 70 to 90 cm.
3. Note the time (t) for oscillations using stop watch.
4. The period of oscillation T= t/10
5. Repeat the experiment for different lengths of the pendulum ‘L’. Find the
acceleration due to gravity (g) for the following lengths of pendulum: original length of
pendulum +5cm, original length of pendulum -5cm.

Table 7-1

Length of the Time taken for 10 oscillations t Period of T² 4𝜋 2 𝐿

pendulum L (s) oscillation 𝑔=
𝑇2
(meter) Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 𝑡 (s²)
𝑇=
10 (m/s²)
(s)
0.15
0.25
0.35
0.45
0.55
Observations:

Questions:

1. How is pendulum affected by gravity?

2. How does the time period of a pendulum depend on gravity?

3. The period of simple pendulum at a given place with acceleration due to gravity depends
on?

4. Describe the experiment simple pendulum to find the value of acceleration due to gravity.