How to Measure G with a Compound pendulum

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around measuring the acceleration due to gravity using a compound pendulum for an Advanced Higher Physics investigation. The original poster seeks guidance on constructing a compound pendulum with a steel rod and understanding the measurement process involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster inquires about the construction of a compound pendulum and the methodology for measuring gravitational acceleration. Participants discuss the definition of a compound pendulum and its dependence on the moment of inertia, as well as the significance of measuring the period and mass.

Discussion Status

Participants have provided some foundational information regarding the characteristics of a compound pendulum and its mathematical representation. There is an ongoing clarification about the meaning of the period in the context of oscillations, indicating a productive exchange of ideas.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has previously conducted measurements using a simple pendulum and is now required to adapt their approach for a compound pendulum, which introduces additional complexities such as determining the moment of inertia.

rossildosil
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For my Advanced Higher Physics Investigation i am measuring acceleration due to gravity. Having already done it with a simple pendulum my teacher says i have to do the same with a "Compound Pendulum". I was wondering how to do this and also how to make a compound pendulum with a steel rod.

Many thanks Ross.
 
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A compound pendulum is one where the rod is not massless, and may have extended size; that is, an arbitrarily shaped rigid body swinging by a pivot. In this case the pendulum's period depends on its moment of inertia I around the pivot point.

T=2*Pi*Sqrt(I/(m*g*L)) where I is the moment of inertia of the rod and L is the distance from the pivot to the center of mass. Measure the period and mass. Locate center of mass and measure distance to pivot. Determining moment of inertia could be the tricky part.
 
Hi that's great. Sorry for the slow reply, but i need to clear something up. Is the T the time taken for one oscilation?

Thanks
 
T is the period or how long to complete one complete cycle
 

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