How to find g using a simple pendulum?

AI Thread Summary
To find the acceleration due to gravity "g" using a simple pendulum, one must measure the period of the pendulum's swing. The relevant formula is T = 2π√(L/g), where T is the period and L is the length of the pendulum. By rearranging this equation, you can calculate g if you know the period and length. It's important to note that the simple harmonic motion approximation holds true for small angles. Understanding these principles will aid in successfully completing the lab experiment.
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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, \theta\approx\sin{\theta} 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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