Physics Lab #5
Acceleration Due to Gravity
Theory
The period, T, of a simple pendulum is determined solely by the length of the pendulum,
L, and the acceleration due to gravity, g=9.8m/s2, according to the fourmula:
T = 2 x pi x squareroot(L/g)
Procedure
- Hang a mass of 100 to 200 grams from the stand using the string provided.
Note the length from the top of the string to the middle of the mass.
(Remember reading error. Also remember to only allow an angle of 10 degres or less between the string and vertical.)
- Use the stopwatch to find the period of the simple pendulum.
(Remember ot use multiple swings to get a more precise value.)
- Try a wide variety of lengths.
Calculations
Rearrange the equation for the period of a pendulum to get an equation appropriate for a graph of T2 vs
L. Use the slope of your graph to get the accleration due to gravity with error.