Using a simple pendulum to determine g

[Celer]

Using a simple pendulum to determine "g"

1. Using a simple pendulum to determine "g"
Basically, we were asked to do an experiment where we measured with a stopwatch for 20 complete oscillations for a pendulum bob swinging through a small arc (10 degrees). We increased the length of the string attached to the bob by 10 cm every time from 20cm to 1m.
Then, we were supposed to graph length to time^2 and figure out a value of "g" and give a straight line graph in the form of y=mx + c

Basically, i recorded data like this

Using Time^2, and Length, I plot the graph and drew a line of best fit in the form of y=mx + c. I got a slope (m) of 14.371

Homework Equations

I used g = 4pi^2 / m

Where m is the slope of the graph.

The Attempt at a Solution

Using the above equation, I subbed in all the numbers to find "g" for the first point of data.

So, g = 4pi^2/14.371
g = 2.747

My question is, as we all know "g" should be 9.8 meters per second ^2. I am getting a figure of 2.747 meters per second ^2. Which is awfully off what it should be right?

I am wondering if one of my equations are set up wrong, or did I measure something wrong?

 

[Doc Al]

Homework Equations

I used g = 4pi^2 / m

What's the actual relationship in terms of length and period?

How does your measured value of "time" relate to the period of the pendulum?

 

[Celer]

Well, I know that length and period are used in this equation:

T^2 = 4pi^2L / g.

my measure of Time (s) is of 20 oscilliations of the pendulum.

and Period = time / # of cycles.

So is it what I am supposed to do is use Period ^2 instead of Time^2 ?

Am I supposed to use T^2 = 4pi^2L / g and bring it over to y = mx + c, where Period^2 is at the y-axis, Length at the x-axis?

Sorry, I'm still a little confused as to how to do this question.

 

[Doc Al]

Well, I know that length and period are used in this equation:

T^2 = 4pi^2L / g.

Right. Here, T is the period, not your measured 20 oscillations.

my measure of Time (s) is of 20 oscilliations of the pendulum.

and Period = time / # of cycles.

So is it what I am supposed to do is use Period ^2 instead of Time^2 ?

Yep. Or rewrite the equation above in terms of measured time, instead of period.

 

[Parandroid]

In my school i am doing an experiment on pendulum to plot a l-t^2 graph.

 

[Celer]

Uh yeah, I think I was confused over using Time and Period. It should be period.

I got 1088.48 cm / s^2

I was wondering how to calculate the percentage error?

Is it ( 1 - (980 / 1088.48) ) * 100

Anyways, thanks for your clarification and help Doc Al

 

[LowlyPion]

I was wondering how to calculate the percentage error?

Is it ( 1 - (980 / 1088.48) ) * 100

It's best to express your error as a percentage of the correct value.

 

[shbfarooqi]

In my school i am doing an experiment on pendulum to plot a l-t^2 graph.

I damn confused i have to make a L-T graph. which will be a parabola but with my readings a staright line is coming...