LAB EXPERIMENT 09

VALUE OF

GRAVITY
Student Name: _______________________________
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Signature of the lab tutor ___________________
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ID No.
Date:

To Calculate the Value of g by the help of Simple Pendulum

PERFORMANCE/OBJECTIVES
(1) To learn how to calculate the value of g by simple pendulum
(2) To understand the relationship between Length/ time period of simple pendulum

and their value of g.

TOOLS
Metallic bob of varied diameters stop watch, Clamping, stand, ruler, vernier caliper and
thread.
THEORY
An ideal simple pendulum consists of spherical bob suspended
from light, inextensible string tied to a fixed, rigid and frictionless
support. When the bob is displaced from its rest position, it begins
to perform oscillatory motion.
It has been experimentally proven that the period of oscillation, it
begins the pendulum and is independent of the mass of the bob of
it.
This fact is utilized to determine the value of to the acceleration
due to gravity, through timing of a simple pendulum. The time
period (T) of a simple pendulum is given by following relation
T=2 L/g T2= 42L/g
g = 42L/T ------------If the value of T is measured for pendulum at several different values of L . we can
calculate the value of g.
Procedure
. Find the diameter of the metallic bob with the help of vernier caliper in cm.
2. Calculate the radius of the metallic bob in cm.
3. Tie one and of the thread to the hook of the bob and hold the other end in your hand. let
the ball hang freely.
4. Using ruler mark on the thread length of 30cm, 35cm, 40cm, 45cm, and 50cm with pen.

5. Pass the other and of the thread to the split cork up to 30cm mark and rigidly clamped it
between the split cork edges.
6. Adjust the height of the clamp so that the bob must be one or two inch above the ground
level.
7. Displace the bob from its rest position with the small amplitude.
8. Start the stop watch and note down the time taken by the bob for 20 continues vibrations.
9. Similarly take more readings with lence 35cm ,40cm, 45cm, and 50cm.
10. Calculate the value of "G" by substituting the value of "L" and "T" in equation 7.1.

EXPERIMENT RESULTS / OBSERVATIONS

The test result/Report should include the following particulars.
1. Diameter of the bob
2. Radius of the bob
3. Amplitude
4. Mass of the bob of the pendulum

S.Nos:

Length of the
thread "L" cm

Total length
L=(l+r) cm

Time (T) for

20 vibrations
in sec

Time period
T=t/20(sec)

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Observation:
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Precaution:
1. Amplitude of vibration should be small.
2. Bob should move along a horizontal line without spinning.
3. Avoid slippage of thread through the cork.
2

Review Question:
1. Discuss acceleration due to gravity?
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2. Write down the regarding forces acting on simple pendulum during oscillation?
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3. Define the term "Angular SHM"?

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Final check List:

1. Clean your apparatus and work bench before you leave.
2. Keep the apparatus back to their proper place.
3. Submit your answers to question together with your data, calculation and result before
leaving the laboratory.