Mechanisms and Mechanical Vibrations Lab

Lab Report No.05

Submitted to: Lab Engineer Muhammad Zeeshan Ahsan
Submitted by: Muhammad Rizwan
CMS ID: 341482
Section: ME-12A
School: School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
(SMME)
Dated: 24/11/2023 (DD/MM/YYYY)
Abstract:
The objective of this experiment is to measure the time period of a simple
pendulum for different lengths. The simple pendulum, a fundamental mechanical
system, consists of a mass suspended from a fixed point via a cord and exhibits
simple harmonic motion. The experiment utilized a cord, bob, frame, balancing
pin, stopwatch, and tape measure to gather data. The measured values were used to
calculate both the theoretical and experimental time periods for each case. The
experiment allowed for the assessment of potential sources of error, including
human error, instrumental error, and environmental factors. A discussion on the
implications of these errors and suggestions for improvement are presented.
Introduction:
A simple pendulum is a classical mechanical system composed of a mass (the bob)
attached to a fixed point (the pivot) by an inelastic cord or rod. It serves as a
fundamental example for understanding simple harmonic motion (SHM). The time
period “T” of a simple pendulum, representing the duration of one complete
oscillation, can be derived from its principles.
Derivation of the Mathematical Relationship for the Time Period of
the Simple Pendulum:
Assumptions:
 There is negligible friction from the air and the system.
 The arm of the pendulum does not bend or compress and is massless.
 The pendulum swings in a perfect plane.
 Gravity remains constant.
By using the equation of motion,
2
T −mgcosθ=m v L

The torque tends to bring the mass to its equilibrium position,

τ =mgL × sinθ=mgsinθ × L=I ×α

For small angles of oscillations and angles measured in radians, sinθ≈ θ ,

Therefore,
Iα=−mgLθ
−mgLθ
α=
I
2 −mgLθ
−ω 0 θ=
I
2 mgL
ω0 =
I

ω o=
√ mgL
I

Using, I =m L2 , where “I” denotes the moment of inertia of bob.

ω o=
√ g
L

Therefore, the time period (T) of a simple pendulum is given by,

2π
T=
ωo

Or

T =2 π
√ L
g

Apparatus:
The following equipment was employed for the experiment:
  Cord: Utilized to suspend the bob and establish the pendulum.
 Bob: A mass that oscillates at the end of the cord.
 Frame: Provides support and stability for the pendulum.
 Balancing Pin: Used to set the initial angle for displacement.
 Stopwatch: Employed for precise measurement of the time taken for the
pendulum to complete its oscillations.
 Tape Measure: Utilized to measure the length “L” of the simple pendulum.
 Pen and Papers: For recording experimental data and observations.
Procedure:
The experiment was conducted as follows:
Measurement of Pendulum Length:
 Securely set up the frame on a stable surface.
 Use the tape measure to accurately measure and record the length “L” of the
simple pendulum. Ensure that the cord is taut, and the bob is at rest.
Initial Displacement - Trial no.01:
 Displace the bob from its equilibrium position by a very small angle,
typically less than 10 degrees.
 Secure the bob in its new position, ensuring that the cord remains at a
constant length.
Time Period Measurement – Trial no.01:
 Release the bob to initiate the oscillations.
 Start the stopwatch as soon as the bob is released.
 Record the time taken for the pendulum to complete 20 cycles to enhance
accuracy.
 Stop the pendulum after completing the 20 cycles.
Adjustment of Length:
 Slightly modify the length of the pendulum.
Initial Displacement – Trial no.02:
 Displace the bob from its equilibrium position by a small angle.
 Secure the bob in its new position, maintaining a constant cord length.
Time Period Measurement – Trial no.02:
 Release the bob to initiate the oscillations.
 Start the stopwatch as soon as the bob is released.
 Record the time taken for the pendulum to complete 20 cycles using the
stopwatch.
 Stop the pendulum after completing the 20 cycles.
Data Collection:
 Continue to adjust the length and repeat the procedure for multiple trials to
gather a range of data.
Theoretical and Experimental Time Period Calculation:
 Calculate the theoretical time period for each case using the derived formula.
 Calculate the experimental time period for each trial by dividing the time
taken for 20 cycles by 20.
Comparison of Results:
 Compare the theoretical and experimental time periods to assess the
accuracy of the measurements.
Results and Discussion:
Case no.01:
Length: 37.75 in.
Time taken by 20 cycles: 38 s
Theoretical Time Period Calculation for Case no.01:

T =2 π
√ L
g
T =1.9647 s

Experimental Time Period Calculation for Case no.01:

38
T= =1.9 s
20

Case no.02:
Length: 33.5 in.
Time taken by 20 cycles: 35 s
Theoretical Time Period Calculation for Case no.02:

T =2 π
√ L
g
T =1.8508 s

Experimental Time Period Calculation for Case no.02:

35
T= =1.75 s
20

Comparative Results for Case no.01 and Case no.02:

Theoretical Time Period (Case no.01): 1.9647 s
Experimental Time Period (Case no.01): 1.9s
Theoretical Time Period (Case no.02): 1.8508 s
Experimental Time Period (Case 2): 1.75s

The percentage error in this case is given as:

| ExperimentalTheoretical
Percentage Error=
Value−Theoretical Value
Value |× 100 %
Let's calculate the percentage error for each case:
Case no.01:

Percentage Error= |1.9−1.9647

1.9647 |
× 100 %

Percentage Error=3.29 %

Case no.02:

Percentage Error= |1.75−1.8508

1.8508 |
× 100 %

Percentage Error=5.45 %

So, the percentage error for Case no.01 is approximately 3.29% and for Case no.02
is approximately 5.45%.
Discussion:
Theoretical and experimental time periods were calculated for two cases, and the
results indicate that the theoretical time periods are slightly longer than the
experimental time periods. This discrepancy can be attributed to various sources of
error, including human error, instrumental error, and environmental factors.
 Human Error:
Timing errors, such as a time gap between starting the stopwatch and the onset of
pendulum oscillations, can introduce inaccuracies in measuring the time period.
Inaccurate measurement of length and imprecise timing with the measuring tape
and stopwatch can lead to discrepancies.
 Instrumental Error:
Errors are dependent on the least count of the measuring tape and stopwatch.
Smaller least counts would yield more accurate results.
 Environmental Error:
External forces, such as air resistance and friction, could affect the pendulum's
motion. Drag forces might alter the ideal harmonic motion.
The ideal simple pendulum is defined as having a heavy point mass suspended
from a rigid support by a weightless and inextensible string, set oscillating under
gravity through a small angle in a vertical plane. In practical experiments,
achieving these ideal conditions is challenging, which introduces differences
between theoretical and experimental results.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this experiment successfully measured the time period of a simple
pendulum for varying lengths. The theoretical and experimental results were
compared, revealing minor discrepancies. These discrepancies were attributed to
human, instrumental, and environmental sources of error.
To enhance the accuracy of future experiments, the following steps can be taken:
 Human Error Mitigation:
Ensure precise timing by synchronizing the release of the pendulum and the start of
the stopwatch. Calibrate measurements of length and time for greater accuracy.
 Instrumental Error Reduction:
Use instruments with smaller least counts for improved precision.
 Environmental Error Management:
Conduct experiments in an environment with minimal air resistance and external
disturbances to reduce the impact of environmental factors.
By addressing these sources of error, more accurate results can be obtained,
leading to a better understanding of the relationship between pendulum length and
time period.