What Is the Value of K in a Pendulum Lab?

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In the pendulum lab, students calculated Q and were tasked with finding K using the formula K = 4π²/m², where m is the slope from a graph of periods versus length. There was confusion regarding whether K represented the gravitational constant g or a spring constant from Hooke's law. The calculated value for K was approximately 9.77, which aligns closely with the known value of g at 9.8, factoring in potential human error. The professor's choice of labeling constants may have been intended to add an element of surprise to the exercise. Ultimately, the discussion highlights the relationship between pendulum motion and gravitational acceleration.
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Homework Statement


We did a pendulum lab and found Q then we were asked to find K from that. The professor gave us a formula K= 4pi2/m2
where m was the slope of a line on a graph of our periods vs lengthQ
then stated it should be number we would recognize. I assumed maybe we were going to calculate g, as this is something I have done before but I thought K was a spring constant from Hookes law. What am I trying to find.


Homework Equations



g=Lpi2/T2


The Attempt at a Solution



The data is relative but I did get some answers around 9.77, close enough to 9.8 considering the human error involved.
 
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Perhaps your professor just relabelled the constants to give the element of surprise. It would be pretty obvious what it would be if he had used the standard g.
 

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