Hsc Phy Pendulum Prac

HSC Physics - Space

Assessment Task 1 Using a Pendulum to Determine G

Practical

Using a Pendulum to determine G Aim: To calculate the rate of acceleration due to gravity by investigating the gravitational effects on the oscillatory motion of an average pendulum. Background: When a pendulum swings with a small angle, the mass on the end performs a good approximation of the back-&forth motion (simple harmonic motion) the period of the pendulum is the time taken to complete one single back and forth motion. This depends on just two variables length of the string and the rate of acceleration due to gravity. The mass has a very minute or no affect at all. The formula to find a period is:

Where T- is period (s) i.e. time for 1 oscillation l - is length (m) of the pendulum g-is acceleration (m/s2 )due to gravity Apparatus:     

Retort Stand Clamp Boss Head String 1- meter Mass Carrier

   

Mass 50g Metre Rule Stopwatch Large Protractor

Method: 1. Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram below.

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