Periodic Motion Lab: Pendulum – PHY 162
Name / Signature: ______________________
Name / Signature: ______________________
Name / Signature: ______________________
Introduction: In this lab we will measure the oscillation period of a pendulum as
we vary the length, mass and amplitude. Our system is made from a very light
string and a heavy bob, so our model for the system is the ideal simple pendulum.
We will compare our results to the predictions of the model.
Theoretical and Practical Background:
1) Describe the basic assumptions of the theoretical model of the simple
pendulum. According to this model, how should the period depend on the
measured quantities, length, mass, and amplitude? (Show equations when
they are relevant.)
2) Describe the actual system used in this lab exercise, and how you made the
measurements.
Data
1) Table and graph 1: Dependence of the period on length.
2) Table and graph 2: Dependence of the period on mass.
3) Table and graph 3: Dependence of the period on amplitude.
Analysis: Answer the questions on the data sheets, based on whatever information
you think is relevant in each case. For each data set, we ask:
1) Does the period depend on the variable quantity?
2) Is the theoretical prediction for the period correct?
Conclusions: Summarize your results in light of the issues and questions presented
in the introduction and the background section. You may refer to the data and
analysis sections, rather than quoting numbers again. For the entire data set, answer
the following:
1) What variables actually affect the period? Which variables do not?
2) Do the overall results agree with our model?
3) Can you think of a way to improve the model, or the measurement
procedure?
Additional Questions: None.