To find out whether changes in weight and the length of a pendulum will make a difference to the time it takes to make a full swing.

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Tosin Adegbiyi 11G

Pendulum

Aim: To find out whether changes in weight and the length of a pendulum will make a difference to the time it takes to make a full swing.

Prediction: During my research on pendulums, I found out from the Internet that I could also find out the value of gravity using pendulums with the following formula:

Due to this and other information I found out I think that I will be able to use my results to find the exact value of gravity. My next prediction is I think the shorter the length of a pendulum, the faster it takes to swing to and fro; I think this because the length is shorter so it is higher up making it swing faster in a shorter time. The weight of a pendulum also changes its time so I also think that the heavier the weight, the faster it swings because it wants to reach the ground faster. If you give the pendulum a swing it will sing back and forth at a certain rate, which is its frequency. Basically everything that is given energy and left to get on with it will swing on its own natural frequency. When you push a pendulum and want it continue at a higher rate every time, you need to push in time with the swing to transfer the maximum energy, otherwise it will just disrupt the rhythm and the pendulum will wobble uncontrollably which wastes energy. In general, when you force an object to swing, it's most effective when the driving frequency (pushes) matches the natural frequency of the pendulum. This is resonance. An example of resonance could be a person on a swing. The period and frequency of the swing depends on its length. If you push at the natural frequency of the swing, the amplitude of the oscillation increases rapidly. This information was taken from the cgp science 'additional material' revision guide.

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Method for string lengths

  • Collect up the apparatus and set it up.
  • Put a 200g-weight disc on a weight holder with a 25cm string tied to the hook of the holder and tie the other end to a clamp stand.
  • Release the pendulums from a horizontal position making sure the stand is stable and then count the time it takes for 10 swings with a stop clock.
  • Record the results then divide it by ten to find the time for 1 swing and record that as well.
  • Repeat steps 2-4 with the same string length ...

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