Pendulum Motion

Analyzing Pendulum Motion: Data, Calculations, and Insights
In the realm of physics, the study of pendulum motion unveils a world of precise measurements, calculations, and fascinating relationships between length, time, and gravitational acceleration. This report delves into the collected data, graphing observations, and the intricate calculations behind determining gravitational acceleration and the length of a 1.00-second simple pendulum.
Data Collection and Graphing
The experiment involved measuring the length (in centimeters) of a pendulum and recording the corresponding total time (in seconds) for one complete period of oscillation. The data collected is presented in the form of a table, showcasing the length, total time, and period of oscillation for each trial. Graphing the data provides a visual representation of the relationship between the length and the total time of oscillation.
Calculating Gravitational Acceleration (g)
One of the fundamental objectives of the experiment was to determine the gravitational acceleration (g) using the collected data. The slope of the graphed data points for total time squared (T^2) versus length (L) yields the value of 4π^2/g. By rearranging this equation, the value of gravitational acceleration can be calculated using the known constants of π and the slope obtained from the graph.
Percent Error Calculation
To assess the accuracy of the calculated gravitational acceleration, a comparison was made with the accepted value of 980 cm/s^2. The percent error, which indicates the deviation of the experimental value from the accepted value, was calculated. This involved determining the absolute difference between the experimental and accepted values, dividing it by the accepted value, and multiplying by 100 to express the error as a percentage.
Determining the Length of a 1.00-second Pendulum
Another intriguing aspect of the experiment was calculating the length of a simple pendulum that exhibits a 1.00-second period of oscillation. The formula T = 2π√(L/g) was used, with T representing the period and g the gravitational acceleration. By rearranging the formula, the length (L) of the pendulum can be calculated, using the known value of T as 1.00 second and the calculated value of g.
Insights and Conclusions
Through meticulous data collection, graphing, and calculations, the experiment yielded valuable insights into the relationship between pendulum length, period, and gravitational acceleration. The determination of gravitational acceleration and the length of a 1.00-second pendulum provides a practical demonstration of fundamental physics principles. The calculated values and comparisons with accepted values offer an opportunity to evaluate the accuracy of the experiment’s measurements and calculations.