Question: Does the length of the string holding the pendulum in mid-air affect the frequency?

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Factors that Affect the Frequency of a Pendulum

Friday, February 8th, 2011

Written By: Moiz Zahid

Performed with: Samer Hafuth and Milos Jovkovic

Question: Does the length of the string holding the pendulum in mid-air affect the frequency?

Hypothesis: If the length of the string is increased then the frequency of the pendulum will decrease.

Explanation: When the length of the string is increased, the frequency decreases as it takes more time for the pendulum to complete one cycle. The more time it takes the slower the movement meaning the lower the frequency. Since frequency equals number of cycles divided by total time, the larger the time amount the more the cycles are divided by, which would result in a smaller number. This is similar to water waves as the larger the wave the slower it moves and the lower its frequency.

Figure 1: Graph Sketch

Variables:

Independent Variable: Length of the String (cm)

Dependent Variable: Frequency of the Pendulum (in Hz)

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Controlled Variables: Number of Cycles (15), Mass of the weight (g), Room Temperature (~ 23°C)

Materials:

  • Retort Stand
  • String (in the following lengths: 20cm, 30cm, 40cm, 50cm)
  • Weight (200g)
  • C-Clamp
  • Timer (±0.5s)
  • Ruler (±0.05cm)

Figure 2: Setup of Lab

Procedure:

  1. Setup the materials as shown in figure 2.
  2. Note: Make sure to tie one end of the string with the Pendulum Clamp and create a loop on the other end of the string for the pendulum to hang off of.
  3. Using a ...

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