How to find g using a simple pendulum?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the acceleration due to gravity (g) using a simple pendulum in a physics lab context. Participants are exploring the relationship between the pendulum's motion and the calculation of g, particularly focusing on the relevant equations and variables involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to measure the period of the pendulum and how it relates to simple harmonic motion. There are inquiries about the specific equation for calculating g and the variables involved. Some participants suggest researching simple harmonic motion as a foundational concept.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active, with various perspectives being shared. Some participants have provided hints and suggestions for approaching the problem, while others are questioning the initial assumptions about the relationship between the pendulum and g. There is no explicit consensus yet, but productive lines of inquiry are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are preparing for a lab assignment and are seeking clarity on the theoretical background and practical application of the pendulum's motion. There is mention of constraints related to the angles involved in the pendulum's swing and the assumptions that may affect the calculations.

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How to find "g" using a simple pendulum?

We just started physics in grade 11.
I have no idea of how to find g using a pendulum.
This a lab we will have to do soon in the near future
I am here to do some research before we have to do the lab.
I've done some other research on the net, and i came up with no solution.

What is the equation for to determine g from a pendulum?
What are the variables?
Thank you!
 
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Perhaps you could try researching the general phenomenon of simple harmonic motion first, leading to the specific case of a pendulum.
 


What you'll most likely be doing is measuring the period of the pendulum (How long it takes for it to complete one swing back and forth.)

Explore the general case of simple harmonic motion to find the formula for the period of such a motion, and then see what the period is for a mathematical pendulum (The kind you'll be exploring in your lab.)

Just to give you a biiiiig hint, at some point during your work, you'll see that for a swinging pendulum, simple harmonic motion does not hold. However, at small angles, [tex]\theta\approx\sin{\theta}[/tex] holds true, so you can use it to describe the motion of the pendulum as simple harmonic.
 


I think you may be thinking about the problem backwards.


A formula that takes information about a pendulum and gives you the value of g would work, sure.

But wouldn't about a formula that takes g and tells you information about the pendulum work just as well?
 


We did that.
Time period T = 2(pi)*under root of (length of pendulum/g).
(pi=3.14)
You find value of time period and length of pendulum. Then modify the above equation,put the values and calculate.
 

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