PHYS 1111L - Introductory Physics Laboratory I

Laboratory Advanced Sheet
Final Examination Laboratory
Simple Pendulum Laboratory

1. Objective. The objective of this laboratory is to experimentally determine the acceleration due to gravity using a simple pendulum.

2. Theory.

a. A simple pendulum consists of a mass connected to a pivot by a string. If the pendulum is placed in motion by pulling the mass to the side and releasing it, the pendulum will oscillate back and forth. The period of the pendulum is the amount of time required for the pendulum to complete a full oscillation; that is, the time to return to its release point. If the angle of release for the pendulum is small (less than 15 degrees from the vertical), the period is given by

T = 2p (L/g)^1/2

where

T is the period of the pendulum,
L is the length of pendulum, and
g is the acceleration due to gravity.

b. If the period of the simple pendulum and its length are measured, the acceleration due to gravity can be determined using

g = 4p² L / T²

3. Apparatus and experimental procedures.

a. Equipment.

1) Stop watch.

2) Meter stick.

3) String.

4) Rods and clamps.

5) Mass for pendulum bob.

6) Protractor.

b. Experimental setup. The experimental setup is shown in Figure 1 (provided by the student).

c. Capabilities. To be provided by the student.

4. Requirements.

a. In the laboratory (data tables are provided in Annex A).

1) Measure the period of your simple pendulum five times.

2) Measure the length of the pendulum (pivot to center of mass distance).

b. In the classroom. Complete the following portions of the laboratory report.

Para. 3. Apparatus and experimental procedures.

1) Provide a figure showing the experimental setup.

2) Provide a description of the capabilities of the equipment used in the experiment.

Para. 4. Data.

1) Provide a copy of your original data for the experiment.

2) Provide a copy of your spreadsheet with calculations. Include the following:

a) The period of your simple pendulum.

b) The acceleration due to gravity.

c) The percent discrepancy in the acceleration due to gravity. Use 9.800 m/s² as the accepted value for the acceleration due to gravity.

Para. 5. Results and Conclusions.

1) Provide a statement of the acceleration due to gravity.

2) Provide a statement of the percent discrepancy in the experiment.

3) Describe sources of systematic error in the experiment.

4) Describe sources of random error in the experiment.

Annex A
Data

1. Data required to determine the period of the simple pendulum.

2. Length of simple pendulum (pivot to center of mass).

Last update: July 20, 1999