Measuring gravitational acceleration

using simple pendulum

 Content

1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Materials and equipment
4. Theory
5. Method
6. Readings
7. Calculations
8. Comments
9. Conclusion and evaluation
10. References
 Physics Department

Measuring gravitational acceleration

using simple pendulum

Name/ Ahmed Mohamed Abd alhalim Sulaiman

Date Performed: May 5, 2019

Abstract
 Objective is to find gravitational acceleration.
 An acceleration on an object due to the gravity is
called as gravitational acceleration.
 In this experiment we use a simple pendulum and by
oscillating it we find the oscillation time (T) of the
pendulum.
 We take different readings for T by changing the
length of the string.
2

 We modify the readings according to T = 4gπ

2

equation and plot a graph according to the equation

to take the gradient and use that to calculate
gravitational acceleration.
Introduction

Gravitational acceleration is the acceleration on an object

cause by gravity. All small bodies accelerate in a same
gravitational field at the same rate relative to the center
of mass if we neglect air resistance. The equality is true
regardless of the masses or compositions of the bodies.

The value differ at different points on earth depending on

altitude and latitude and objects with low densities do
not accelerate as rapidly due to air resistance.
Materials and Equipment:

1. Stop watch
2. Simple pendulum
3. Stand
4. Meter ruler
5. Pointer
6. Non elastic string

 When choosing the string make sure to check

whether it’s non-elastic. Otherwise the elasticity will
affect the readings.
 The experiment generates more accurate results if
we use metallic pendulum and a very light string.
 The stand should be stable.
 Make sure to check the functionality of the
stopwatch before start.
Theory:
L
(¿¿ g)
T =2 π √ ¿
L
T 2 =(2 π)2
g
4 π2
T2= L
g
We take “ T ” as the dependent variable and “L” as the
2

independent variable.
2 4 π2
T = L
g

Y m X
When drawing the graph, we take T values to the y-axis
2

and L values to the x-axis.

Method:

1. Attach the string with the pendulum to the stand and

make sure it swing freely without hitting anything.

2. Set the length of the string to 40cm and the value

should be recorded on the data table under
readings.

3. Release the pendulum at an angle of θ = 45 degrees)

and after the first oscillation start counting.

4. Measure the time for 10 oscillations and then set the

length to the next value 50cm and release the
pendulum at the same angle to measure time for 10
oscillations.

5. Repeat the same steps until we get 6 readings.

6. Again repeat the steps with a different person and

get 6 readings to reduce the errors.

7. Put the values into the data table and complete the
table by doing the calculations.
8. Then plot the graph by putting the independent
variable L on the x-axis and dependent variable T 2

on the y-axis.
9. Draw the best possible straight line through (0, 0), 6
other graphed points and through the calculated
point ‘G’.

10. Find the gradient of the graph by choosing any

two points within the line and use it with the
2

equation g= 4mπ to find Gravitational acceleration.

Notes

 Make sure to release the pendulum without giving

any external force to get the maximum accuracy.
 String should be straightened before releasing.
 Table 1

Slope
4

3.5 f(x) = 4.1x - 0.06

R² = 1

2.5
‫عنوان‬
T^2(Sec)‫االامحور‬

2 Sl ope
Li near (Sl ope

1.5

0.5

0
0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1

L(m)‫االامحور‬
‫عنوان‬

L(m) ‘t1’ for 10 ‘t2’ for 10 Average ‘T’ for ‘T’ for 1 T2 (se
oscillations oscillations(sec) 10 oscillation c)
(sec) oscillations(sec) (sec)
0.4 25.2 25.1 25.2 1.26 1.59
0.5 28.1 28.2 28.2 1.41 1.99
0.6 31.0 31.0 31.0 1.55 2.40
0.7 33.5 33.6 33.6 1.68 2.82
0.8 35.7 35.9 35.8 1.79 3.20
0.9 38.2 37.9 38.1 1.91 3.65
Calculations:
Finding the best straight line (G);
G= x , y

x =0.4+0.5+0.6+0.7+0.8+0.9/6=0.65
y =1.59+1.99+2.40+2.82+3.20+3.65/6=2.61
G=0.65, 2.61
The mass = (2.61-0)/ (0.65-0) = 4.1
OR
Slope =mass
mass=4.1 ms
−2

2
4π
m=
g
4 π2
g=
m

4 π2
Using g=
m

g= 4*9.8/4

g= 9.87 ms
−2
Comments:
1. Stopwatch should be a perfectly working one.

2. String should be non-elastic, otherwise there will be

errors in the experiment.

3. Experiment generate more accurate results if we use

a metallic pendulum (bob).

4. The stand should be perfectly aligned and stable to

do the practical as in to get correct readings.

5. The surrounding should be clean and the pendulum

should not hit with anything while doing the
practical.

6. Choose a low airflow area to do the practical.

7. Angle should be the same throughout the practical

when releasing the pendulum.
Conclusion:
 1. According to the results, we think that the
gravitational acceleration is approximately 9.87 ms .
−1

2. The slight change in the final answer must be due to

human errors.

Evaluation:
There were few weaknesses in this practical such as
choosing right materials, etc. but with all those we
manage to get a result which just has a slight difference
from the original value for the gravitational acceleration.
 References
1. Anon., 2011. Simple Pendulum. [Online]
Available at:
http://www.nvcc.edu/alexandria/science/physics/lab231hy
brid/pendulum/pendulum_instructions.htm
[Accessed 02 05 2015].
2. Anon., 2013. Simple pendulum experiment. [Online]
Available at: http://fizik-
ruslawati.blogspot.com/2013/01/simple-pendulum-
experiment.html
[Accessed 03 05 2015].
3. Anon., 2015. DETERMINATION OF GRAVITATIONAL
ACCELERATION USING A SIMPLE PENDULUM. [Online]
Available at:
http://web.tuke.sk/feikf/FEI/LCFEI/G1_nav_E.pdf
[Accessed 02 05 2015].
4. Elizabeth, B. C., n.d. Using a pendulum to measure
gravity's acceleration. [Online]
Available at:
http://www.fofweb.com/onfiles/SEOF/Science_Experiment
s/6-33.pdf