Nonlinear graph in the Physical Pendulum

AI Thread Summary
The experiment aimed to measure gravitational acceleration using a physical pendulum, resulting in a graph that displays a nonlinear trend despite the assumption of small-amplitude oscillations. This unexpected trend occurs as the pivot point approaches the centroid of the pendulum, contradicting the theoretical predictions. The discussion raises the possibility that the damping force may contribute to this nonlinear behavior. It is suggested that as the distance from the pivot point to the centroid decreases, the oscillations transition from small to significant, leading to the observed graph. This highlights the complexities of pendulum dynamics and the limitations of theoretical models in certain conditions.
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We did an experiment using the physical pendulum to measure gravitational acceleration g. A graph is shown in this link:
http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt20/omicgavp/measuringggraph.jpg"

A nonlinear (possibly chaotic) trend can be seen in our graph even though we assumed small-amplitude oscillations. This trend has been observed as the pivot point goes near to the centroid. How did this happen? It disagrees with our equation (theory) found in the link! Can this be due to the damping force?
 
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T=period, I=moment of inertia, M=mass of the system, g=gravitational acceleration, d=distance from pivot point to centroid
 
I guess when d decreases, the otherwise small-amplitude oscillations become not so small, and that is why the graph is no longer linear.
 

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