How to Determine g from a T^2 vs. L Graph

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the acceleration due to gravity (g) from a graph of T² versus L, where T is the period in seconds and L is the length of the string in centimeters. The slope of the graph is calculated to be 0.03900, leading to the formula g = 4π²/slope. Substituting the slope into this formula yields a predicted value of g at approximately 1012.267 cm/s². The calculated percent error is determined to be around 1- (980/1012.267), confirming the result is close to the expected value of 981 cm/s².

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of simple harmonic motion and pendulum dynamics
  • Familiarity with graphing techniques and slope calculations
  • Knowledge of the formula T² = (4π²/g) * L
  • Ability to calculate percent error in experimental data
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the formula T² = (4π²/g) * L in detail
  • Learn how to accurately plot and interpret graphs in physics experiments
  • Explore methods for calculating and reducing experimental uncertainty
  • Investigate the effects of varying amplitude and mass on pendulum period
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics labs, educators teaching pendulum dynamics, and anyone interested in experimental methods for measuring gravitational acceleration.

8parks11
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Okay this is the last question of the lab and I don't get it
Basically its a lab where we find how amplitude, bob mass, and length affects the period T for each time.

Our finding was that length affects the period a lot. I did a bunch of graphs and tables and answered all the questions but don't know how I derive this


the question is "From your graph of T^2 vs. L
determine a value for g."

T here is the period in seconds and L is the length of the string in cm. Now I do have to graph and it looks pretty normal to me.


The slope is 0.03900 and the r is 0.9947
now I don't think this would help much at all
(unless its r-slope haha...)

I have to find g from this graph and calculate the percent of error
I know how to calculate the percent of error but I don't know how I can find g from this graph


the points are for x which is length

50
60
70
80
90
100

and for T^2 i have

2.2831
2.4586
2.89
3.3562
3.7288



My first guess was i need to find an equation for this relationship and then
use the formula 4pi^2/g x L = T^2 but I don't know what to do?

plug in what for L? someone please help!
 
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8parks11 said:
Okay this is the last question of the lab and I don't get it
Basically its a lab where we find how amplitude, bob mass, and length affects the period T for each time.

Our finding was that length affects the period a lot. I did a bunch of graphs and tables and answered all the questions but don't know how I derive this


the question is "From your graph of T^2 vs. L
determine a value for g."

T here is the period in seconds and L is the length of the string in cm. Now I do have to graph and it looks pretty normal to me.


The slope is 0.03900 and the r is 0.9947
now I don't think this would help much at all
(unless its r-slope haha...)

I have to find g from this graph and calculate the percent of error
I know how to calculate the percent of error but I don't know how I can find g from this graph


the points are for x which is length

50
60
70
80
90
100

and for T^2 i have

2.2831
2.4586
2.89
3.3562
3.7288



My first guess was i need to find an equation for this relationship and then
use the formula 4pi^2/g x L = T^2 but I don't know what to do?

plug in what for L? someone please help!
As you said, the equation is T^2 = {4 \pi2 \over g} L . So if you plot T^2 vs L, you should get a straight line. The slope of this line will be equal to what?
 
wait I don't get it a lot.
so for the x-axis I get all the L (from 50~100) and then just leave it.
for the y, I should use T^2 = {4 \pi2 \over g} L and then subsitute all the L from the x data. that would gimme T^2
but I don't think this is right because I'm getting 4.028 as my slope
 
8parks11 said:
wait I don't get it a lot.
so for the x-axis I get all the L (from 50~100) and then just leave it.
for the y, I should use T^2 = {4 \pi2 \over g} L and then subsitute all the L from the x data. that would gimme T^2
but I don't think this is right because I'm getting 4.028 as my slope
:confused: You measured the period for different values of L, right? Just plot your measured values of T^2 versus L. Then use theory to determine what the slope should be equal to. Theory will give you a relation between the slope of this graph and the value of g. Once you measure the slope on your graph you will be able to determine g from your data.
 
ok so the slope of my line of T^2 vs L is 0.0390.

since 4pi^2/g=slope g should be 4pi^2/slope...


so the predicted g is 4pi^2/ 0.0390

and this gives me 1012.267... what is wrong?
 
Last edited:
8parks11 said:
ok so the slope of my line of T^2 vs L is 0.0390.

since 4pi^2/g=slope g should be 4pi^2/slope...


so the predicted g is 4pi^2/ 0.0390

and this gives me 1012.267... what is wrong?
What is the uncertainty? this is not far from the expected value of about 981 cm/s^2!
 
yes haha thanks i forgot that its in cm haha

just to confirm, tthe % error would be 1- (980/1012.267) right?
 
Last edited:

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