Pendulum Periods
Recommended for grades 9–12.
Introduction
A swinging pendulum keeps a very regular beat. It is so regular, in fact, that for many years the pendulum was the heart of clocks used in astronomical measurements at the Greenwich Observatory.
There are at least three things you could change about a pendulum that might affect the period (the time for one complete cycle):
- the amplitude of the pendulum swing
- the length of the pendulum, measured from the center of the pendulum bob to the point of support
- the mass of the pendulum bob
Objectives
- Measure the period of a pendulum as a function of amplitude.
- Measure the period of a pendulum as a function of length.
- Measure the period of a pendulum as a function of bob mass.
Sensors and Equipment
This experiment requires each of the following Vernier sensors and equipment (unless otherwise noted):
Additional Requirements
You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?
Download Experiment Preview
The student-version preview includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for computer-based data collection
- List of materials and equipment
Note: The experiment preview of the computer edition does not include essential teacher information, safety tips, or sample data. Instructions for Logger Pro and other software (such as LabQuest App or TI handheld software, where available) are on the CD that accompanies the book. We strongly recommend that you purchase the book before performing experiments.
Standards Correlations
Included in the Lab Book
Vernier lab books include a CD with word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.