Iona Prep Conceptual Physics Assignment

 

The Motion of a Simple Pendulum

A Simple Pendulum is a mass (called the bob) suspended from a pivot point by flexible support such as a string.
The variables involved:

• The mass of the pendulum bob
• The length of the pendulum, measured from the pivot point to the center of the bob
• The period of the pendulum (time for one complete oscillation)

The challenge for you is to determine the relationship between the length of the pendulum and its period.

1. Click HERE to open a new window containing the Pendulum applet.

2. You can adjust the length of the pendulum by dragging the cursor downward from the pivot point.

3. Choose 10 or more lengths for the pendulum over as wide a range as possible. For each length, record the length and period in a data table. Use the table to construct a graph having length along the "Y" axis and Period along the "X" axis.

4. From the shape of the graph answer the following question: Does the relationship appear to be a direct proportion? -Remember that a direct proportion will appear to be a straight line.