Can anyone help me out on the simple pendulum lab?

AI Thread Summary
In the simple pendulum lab, the user is attempting to calculate the experimental velocity of a pendulum bob using data collected from a photogate. They have successfully derived the theoretical velocity using conservation of energy but are struggling to compute the experimental velocity from their recorded times and pendulum parameters. A key point raised is that a single time measurement is insufficient for calculating velocity; at least two time measurements and the length of the path traveled are necessary. The discussion emphasizes the need for clarity on the recorded times to accurately determine speed. Assistance is sought to resolve the calculation issues and achieve a better understanding of the experimental setup.
exparrot
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For the simple pendulum lab, I have to find the percent difference between my theoretical and experimental velocity. I found out my theoretical velocity as I used the conservation of energy to generate an equation for v, but I'm having a hard time calculating my velocity from my experimental data! So what happened was that a bob was swung at different angles (10° to 60°) with the bob going through a photogate. The time recorded was the time the moment the bob entered through the photogate. Using this time and other data present (pendulum length, radius of bob...) I have to find velocity, BUT I have no clue how to do so. I tried to find my time by finding the arc length (the length of the path traveled by the bob) divided by my time, but my answers are so way off from my theoretical. I really don't know what to do and I'm so frustrated... I would really appreciate if anyone could help me out on this one! Thank you!
 
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exparrot said:
... The time recorded was the time the moment the bob entered through the photogate. Using this time and other data present (pendulum length, radius of bob...) I have to find velocity, BUT I have no clue how to do so. ...
One time is not sufficient to to extract velocity information from experimental data. The first time a photogate beam is interrupted, a clock starts running (that's t = 0). You need a second time and a length to determine speed. Exactly what times did you record?
 
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