Pendulum Experiment - time period and length of string

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the classic pendulum experiment, which investigates the relationship between the time period of a pendulum and the length of its string. The user presented average time measurements for various string lengths, revealing a strong positive correlation. However, they observed that plotting time squared against length resulted in a faint "s" shaped curve rather than a clear quadratic relationship. The discussion concludes that plotting time against the square root of length (T vs √l) is a more effective method to demonstrate the proportionality between time and length.

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Homework Statement


Hi, in class we done the classic pendulum experiment to investigate the relationship between time period and the length of the string. Here are my averages for time period and the length:
Length (m)----Average time (T1+T2/2)
0.2 11.3
0.4 14.9
0.6 17.41
0.8 19.98
1 23.71


The Attempt at a Solution


Having drawn the graph of Time against Length and getting a strong positive correlation, I was expecting time squared to produce a curved graph. However, it is coming out as a stretched "s" shape, all be it a very faint one, so it isn't far off from being straight. Should this be the case? And also, do I need both graphs together to demonstrate Time being proportional to Length, or, will either one be sufficient?

Thanks
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Try plotting T2 vs l or T vs√l
 

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