Changing the Period of a Pendulum

A pendulum consists of a mass at the end of a thin cord, known as the Bob. It is connected at a fixed point. When the mass is drawn towards high and left, the gravitational force accelerates it back to its previous position. Changing the length of the pendulum changes its period. Long length pendulums swing with a smaller frequency and therefore have a longer period. The mass on a pendulum doesn’t affect the swing of the pendulum. Now you might think why does mass not affect the period of a pendulum? This is because the period of a pendulum is only affected by the length of the string and the force of gravity. The formula for the time period of a simple pendulum is given by the equation

Pendulum Swing Experiment

In the pendulum swing experiment given here, you will explore the factors that affect the speed and duration of a pendulum’s swing, which is also known as an oscillating motion. Given below is a detailed and methodical experiment with a concise conclusion.

Aim:

To change the period of a pendulum

Apparatus Required:

• Weights
• Stopwatch
• Tape
• Ruler
• Thread
• Straw
• Table

Procedure

• Tie a weight to a thread.
• Tie the thread to straw and tape the straw on the table in such a way that around half of an inch hangs over the edge.
• Tape the other end of the thread with the table in such a manner that the length from the straw’s end to the middle the weight is 4 inches.
• Let the pendulum settle and be constant.
• Pull the bob about one inch and leave it gently. Make sure to make the pendulum swing in a steady arc.
• When you let it go, start the stopwatch and note the number of times it swings from its initial point and back to original until you count at least 10 swings. Repeat this three times and take the average of the collected data of the three trials. The no of swings divided by the time taken is called the period of the pendulum.
• Extend the length of the pendulum to 5 inches and repeat the procedure.
• Increase the weight of the bobs and repeat the above procedure.

Conclusion

Only the length affects the period of a pendulum. Changing the weights and the distance pulled to swing has no effect on the time taken to finish a swing from an initial to the final position. The period of the pendulum remains the same in both cases.

The project mentioned above would have shown the bright and interactive side of science which is not yet noticed by people but highly beneficial for students in particular. Implementing such projects in schools and doing them at home would make children interested and fascinated in knowing about science subjects in a better manner over the years to come. Stay tuned to BYJU’S to learn more innovative project ideas.