Pendulum Theory; how to improve accuracy to determine g

AI Thread Summary
Using a pendulum to determine the acceleration due to gravity (g) involves measuring the pendulum's length and timing its oscillations. The method includes setting up a pendulum with a 50g mass and measuring the length from the knot to the base, then timing 10 swings at a 30-degree angle. To improve accuracy, suggestions include minimizing air resistance, ensuring precise timing, and using a more accurate mass. Additionally, conducting multiple trials and averaging results can enhance reliability. Overall, careful setup and repeated measurements are key to achieving accurate results in this experiment.
TaraMarshall
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Theory based;
Using a pendulum to determine g

Method:
1. Set up the retort stand and clamp on the edge of a desk. Tie on the string and adjust its length to about 90cm before attaching a 50g mass carrier.
2. Using the metre rule, carefully measure the length of the pendulum from the knot at its top to the base.
3. Set the pendulum swinging at a 30 degree angle and use the stopwatch to time 10 complete back and forth swings (oscillations)
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 at least 5 times, after shortening the string by 5cm each time.


Question:
How does this method generally give very accurate results?
What could I do to improve the method of this experiment to make it more accurate?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Please and thank you!
 
I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
Thread 'Calculation of Tensile Forces in Piston-Type Water-Lifting Devices at Elevated Locations'
Figure 1 Overall Structure Diagram Figure 2: Top view of the piston when it is cylindrical A circular opening is created at a height of 5 meters above the water surface. Inside this opening is a sleeve-type piston with a cross-sectional area of 1 square meter. The piston is pulled to the right at a constant speed. The pulling force is(Figure 2): F = ρshg = 1000 × 1 × 5 × 10 = 50,000 N. Figure 3: Modifying the structure to incorporate a fixed internal piston When I modify the piston...
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'
Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
Back
Top