2023 G10 Physics summer vacation homework

Name: Emily 百合
Simulation Website: https://amrita.olabs.edu.in/?sub=1&brch=5&sim=159&cnt=4
(Tips: you can do the experiment using simulation or do the real experiment at home)

Research question:
What is the relationship between the Time period (Dv) of a pendulum and pendulum
length?

Background information (search the reference to give the relationship between IV and DV.):
The aim of this experiment is to investigate the relationship
between the length of a simple pendulum and its time period. A
simple pendulum was constructed using a bob suspended from a
string, and its time period was measured for different lengths of
the pendulum. A pendulum is a body suspended from a fixed
point so that it can swing back and forth under the influence of
gravity. The time period is the time it takes to complete one full
cycle, in other words, the time taken to complete one oscillation.
The formula for the period T of a pendulum is :

Where:
T =2 π
√ L
g

T is the time period of the pendulum.

π is a mathematical constant (which is approximately 3.1415926…)
L is the length of the pendulum
g is the acceleration due to gravity

Hypothesis and Reasoning (predict the relationship between IV and DV, and give reasons)
In my hypothesis, I think as the pendulum length increases, the time period will also increase.
Similarly, if the length decreases, the time period decreases. According to the equation for the
time period of a simple pendulum:

T =2 π
√ L
g
Since 2π and g remain constant, T would be proportional to the square root of L. T ∝ √ L
(when g is constant). This relationship can be understood intuitively. A longer pendulum has a
larger distance to travel between swings, so it takes more time for it to complete one
oscillation. On the other hand, a shorter pendulum has a shorter distance to travel, resulting in
a shorter time period.

By conducting this experiment and collecting data on different pendulum lengths and their
corresponding time periods, I aim to test this hypothesis and determine if the observed
relationship aligns with my expectations.
 Variables
Independent variable: The pendulum length
In this experiment, I will use 6 sets of pendulum lengths. I will use a ruler to measure the
length of the wire. The lengths of the wire will be:
Numbers of wire Pendulum length (m)
1 0.5
2 0.7
3 0.9
4 1.1
5 1.3
6 1.5
Table 1: the table of independent variable value

Dependent variable: The time period of the simple pendulum

In this experiment, the dependent variable is the time period of the simple pendulum, I will
be using a timer to calculate the time period of each length, I will measure the time taken for
the pendulum to complete 10 oscillations, and use the time to divide by 10, which represents
10 oscillations.

Control variables (at least 3 CV.s):

Control variables Specific value Why is it should be How to control it?
controlled?
The shape of the Sphere Because the different Use the same bob
bob shapes of the bob will throughout the
have different surface experiment.
areas, which will cause
different air resistance,
and it might cause slight
errors to the result.
Acceleration of Same acceleration Because acceleration Do the experiment
gravity of gravity, or on due to gravity influences on one planet, like
earth the time period of a Earth.
(approximately simple pendulum, a
9.81m/s2) higher acceleration due
to gravity decreases the
time period, and
different environment
has different gravity
acceleration.
The air current of No specific value, Because if there is a Make sure there is
the room (air make sure the air strong air current in the no fan or air
resistance) conditioner and room, it will create great conditioner directly
any type of fan air resistance for the blowing at the
will not blow at pendulum when it pendulum.
the pendulum, or swings, therefore, the
just minimize results will not be
external factors accurate.
such as air current.
Accuracy of the The timer has to It is important to use Utilize a reliable
timer be accurate and precise and accurate stopwatch or timer
precise equipment, this helps with precise timing
minimize measurement capabilities to
errors and ensures measure the time
reliable data. period of the
pendulum.
Angle of Not too big Theoretically, the swing Use a protractor or
displacement angle of a pendulum angle-measuring
will not affect the time device to ensure
period of the pendulum. consistent and
However, if the swing accurate angles.
angle becomes very Make sure the
large, the relationship swinging angle is
becomes more complex not too big, if
due to nonlinear effects possible, keep the
and the influence of air angle around or
resistance. less than 10
degrees.
String material and The same type of Because this will help to Make sure to use
thickness string material maintain uniformity in the same types of
with a consistent the experimental setup. string material with
thickness for all In addition, different a consistent
pendulum lengths string materials or thickness for all
varying thicknesses may pendulums.
cause variations in the
pendulum’s behavior,
affecting the time
period.
Table 2: the table of control variables

Materials
 A clamp with a stand × 1
 A split cork × 1
 A Cotton Thread (about 2 meters long) × 1
 A bob × 1
 Vernier calliper × 1
 Stop watch or timer × 1
 Meter scale or measuring tape × 1

Safety
Safety issue How to solve it?
Bob accidentally fell and hurt yourself. Make sure the bob is well connected
with the stand and do not place it on the
edge of the table.
Sturdy support Ensure that the support or stand holding
the pendulum is stable and secure. This
prevents any accidental toppling or
collapsing during the experiment.
Controlled release Release the pendulum gently and
gradually, avoiding any sudden or
forceful movements.
Table 3: the table of safety issues

Method
1. Select the environment to perform the experiment from the 'Select
Environment' in the list.
2. Select the shape of the bob of the pendulum from the 'Select Shape' drop-down
list.
3. Select the material of the bob from the 'Select Material' drop-down list.
4. Select the type of wire to be used from the 'Select Wire' drop-down list.
5. Use the 'Change Length' slider to change the length of the pendulum.
6. Use the 'Change Dimension' slider to change the dimension of the bob used.
7. Now release the bob.
8. Clicking on the 'Show Protractor' drag the bob to 40 ° then release it on every
trial.
9. Now click on the 'Play /Pause' button to start the stopwatch. We can
alternatively click on the 'Start' or 'Stop' button on the stopwatch.
10. The time for 10 oscillations is noted.
11. Record all the data
Results
(1) Raw data

Length (L) (unit: m) Time taken for 10 oscillations (unit: s)

0.5 14.50
0.7 17.29
0.9 19.59
1.1 21.78
 1.3 23.51
1.5 25.22
Table 4: the table of raw data

(2) Processed data

To find the timer period of a pendulum length, given the time taken for 10 oscillations, we
have to divide the time taken by 10 oscillations. For example, for 0.5, the time taken is 14.5
14.5
seconds, then we will use =1.45
10
2
Length (L) (unit: m)
Time period (T) (unit: s) T =
t T (unit: s)
10
0.5 1.45 2.10
0.7 1.73 2.99
0.9 1.96 3.84
1.1 2.18 4.75
1.3 2.35 5.52
1.5 2.52 6.35
Table 5: the table of processed data
(3) Graph

The relationship between the length and the time period of a

simpe pendulum
7

6
Time period^2 (unit: s)

0
0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6
Length (unit: m)

Graph 1: The graph of the relationship between the length and the time period of simple
pendulum
Evaluation
Limitation Why the limitation is significant Improvement

Air resistance Air resistance is a form of friction that opposes To minimize the influence of air
the object's motion, as the pendulum bob resistance, conducting the
oscillates through the air, it experiences a drag experiment in a controlled
force that acts opposite to its motion, this drag environment with minimal air
force reduces the amplitude of the pendulum's currents and using a bob with a
swing and can change the time period of the streamlined shape can reduce its
pendulum. Which may lead to differences effect.
between the observed and expected time
periods.
Measurement Because accurate measurements of the 1. precise instruments: use high-
errors pendulum length and time period are essential, quality measuring instruments
slight errors in measuring the length of the with fine scales or gradations. For
pendulum or timing the oscillations can example, use a ruler with smaller
introduce uncertainties in the data. divisions or a digital caliper for
more accurate length
measurements.
2. repetition: take multiple
measurements for each data point
to account for any inconsistencies
or random errors. Then, calculate
the average value to make the data
more reliable.
3. observer bias: minimize
observer bias by having multiple
individuals take measurements
independently and compare the
results.
Human reaction Timing the oscillations of the pendulum using a 1. use technology: by using
time stopwatch or timer introduces a potential error electronic sensors that can
due to human reaction time. The precise automatically detect the
moment at which the pendulum crosses a pendulum’s position and record
reference point may not be captured accurately, the corresponding time accurately.
leading to slight variations in the measured time 2. multiple trials: conducting
period. multiple trials for each data point
and calculating the average time
period can minimize the random
 error.
3. collaborative timing: once
person can focus on observing the
pendulum’s motion while the
other operates the timer.
Non-ideal string If the string or suspension used to support the 1. Minimize stiffness: Choose a
or suspension pendulum bob is not perfectly flexible or has string or suspension material that
some stiffness, it can cause additional factors is as flexible and lightweight as
that influence the motion. This can affect the possible. Stiffer materials can
accuracy of the measured time period. On the cause additional factors that affect
other hand, if the string is too stretchable, it the pendulum's motion, such as
might increase the effective length, causing increased friction or altered
errors in the data. oscillation characteristics. Opting
for materials like thin, lightweight
threads or strings can help reduce
these effects.
2. Multiple trials: Taking multiple
readings and calculating the
average value can help minimize
the influence of individual
measurements affected by these
imperfections.
Table 5: the table of evaluation and limitation

Conclusion:
This experiment has met the objectives stated in the introduction and successfully confirmed
the relationship between the length and time period of a simple pendulum. By analyzing the
collected data, we can observe the relationship between the length and time period of the
simple pendulum through a visual graph. As we can see, as the length of the pendulum
increases, the time period also increases. And the time period is directly proportional to the
square root of the pendulum length.
Given the formula of the time period of a simple pendulum:

Where:
T =2 π
√ L
g

T is the time period of the pendulum.

π is a mathematical constant (which is approximately 3.1415926…)
L is the length of the pendulum
g is the acceleration due to gravity

The relationship between the time period and length of the pendulum is directly proportional.
However, in any scientific investigation, it is crucial to acknowledge the presence of errors
and uncertainties that may occur. In this investigation of the relationship between the length
and time period of a pendulum, several potential sources of error and uncertainty can
influence the results. First, factors such as air resistance and friction within the pendulum's
suspension system can introduce slight errors between the observed and theoretical values.
These forces may affect the motion of the pendulum and affect its time period. Additionally,
the accuracy of the measurements, including the precise determination of the length and the
counting of oscillations, may lead to more uncertainties. Moreover, human reaction time and
observational limitations can also contribute to measurement errors as well. It is essential to
account for these potential errors and uncertainties by conducting multiple trials, employing
appropriate measurement techniques, and considering the limitations of the experimental
setup. By doing so, we can minimize the impact of these factors and obtain reliable and
accurate results in this investigation.

Discussion:
Other than the relationship between the length and the time period of a simple pendulum,
there are also various other relationships worth exploring in a simple pendulum.

One notable relationship is between the amplitude of the pendulum's swing and its time
period. In a simple pendulum, the amplitude refers to the maximum displacement from the
equilibrium position. However, in a simple pendulum, the time period remains constant
regardless of the amplitude. This means whether the pendulum swings back and forth with a
small or large amplitude, the time it takes to complete one full oscillation is always the same.
This relationship holds true as long as the angle of displacement remains small, ensuring that
the pendulum's motion of the swing is kept within a small angle.

Another relationship is about energy conservation in a simple pendulum. As the pendulum

swings back and forth, it oscillates between potential energy and kinetic energy. At any point
during its motion, the sum of its potential energy and kinetic energy remains constant. This
principle of energy conservation explains the interplay between different forms of energy
within the system.

Furthermore, we can also explore the relationship between the length of the pendulum and its
frequency. The frequency of a pendulum refers to the number of complete oscillations it
occurs in a given time interval. In a simple pendulum, the frequency is inversely proportional
1
f=

√
to the square root of the length L , where f represents the frequency, g represents the
2π
g
acceleration due to gravity, and L represents the length of the pendulum. This relationship
suggests that shorter pendulums have a higher frequency, meaning they complete more
oscillations per unit of time.

References:
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Review!].” ScienceOxygen, 21 Sept. 2022, scienceoxygen.com/how-does-the-shape-of-a-

pendulum-affect-its-period/. Accessed 16 Aug. 2023.

Ather, S. Hussain . “Laws of Pendulum Motion.” Sciencing, 2011, sciencing.com/laws-

pendulum-motion-8614422.html.

Ather, S. Hussain . “Laws of Pendulum Motion.” Sciencing, 2011, sciencing.com/laws-

pendulum-motion-8614422.html.

Martin, Howard. “27.8: Sample Lab Report (Measuring G Using a Pendulum).” Physics

LibreTexts, 2019, phys.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/University_Physics/Book

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27.08%3A_Sample_lab_report_(Measuring_g_using_a_pendulum).

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www.britannica.com/technology/pendulum.

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