Pendulum Practical Report Essay

9. 2 T1P: Pendulum Practical Report Aim: To determine the value of gravitation acceleration using the motion of a pendulum. Identify the causes in variation of this value. Equipment: * Slotted Weight * Retort Stand * Sticky Tape * Clamp * String * 1 metre ruler * Timer Method: * 1. Gather required equipment. * 2.

Place retort stand onto table and tightly secure the clamp * 3. Tie the slotted weight onto one end of the string, and wrap the other end around the end of the clamp. * 4. Using a piece of sticky tape, secure the string onto the clamp. * 5.Using the ruler, measure and record the length of the string. * 6.

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Move the weight in a direction parallel to the bench’s edge and no more than 15 degrees. * 7. Release and begin timing simultaneously. * 8. Each complete oscillation, record the time taken.

* 9. Repeat for 10 oscillations. * 10. Shorten string to desired amount and repeat. * 11. Repeat steps 5-10 a further 4 times. Analysis: Result Table: Length (m)| T (seconds)| T? (seconds)| m (gradient)| g (ms^-2)| 0. 461| 1.

5| 2. 25| 4. 880694143| 8. 08868912| 0. 586| 1. 64| 2. 6896| 4. 589761092| 8.

601410144| . 689| 1. 75| 3. 0625| 4.

444847605| 8. 881838281| 0. 793| 1.

86| 3. 4596| 4. 362673392| 9.

049134342| 0. 877| 1. 88| 3.

5344| 4. 030102623| 9. 795883954| Average value for m (gradient): 4. 46 Average value for g (ms^-2): 8. 88 ms^-2 The accepted value of gravity on Earth is 9. 8 ms^-2 Accuracy: |8. 88 – 9. 80| / 9.

80 x 100 = 9. 39 = Percentage of error Therefore the degree of accuracy is 90. 6%. This shows that our experiment was fairly inaccurate. Reliability: Furthest value from the average 8. 88 ms^-2 is 9. 80 ms^-2 |8.

88-9. 80| = 0. 92 0. 92/8.

88 = 10. 36%Therefore this experiment is unreliable. Discussion: From previous calculations and the graph, we can see that the experiment performed is both inaccurate and unreliable.

The errors made can be blamed mainly upon human error, as timing such small quantities of time is difficult. To improve accuracy and reliability, better technology would be required, such as the use of a machine to record one period and a data logger. The string could also be attached to a joint with less friction to increase accuracy.

The experiment is invalid, as it does not yield accurate data. Andrew Wu