Harmonic Motion Lab

The Simple Pendulum

Define the following terms, with respect to harmonic motion of course:

1) Harmonic motion:

2) Cycle:
3) Period:

4) Amplitude:
5) Bob

What are some examples of harmonic motion?

What is the formula used to measure the period of a simple pendulum?

What do each of the variables stand for?
Variables: T=
=
Formula:

Here is a diagram of a simple pendulum at the beginning of its cycle:

1) Draw this pendulum of the way through its cycle:

2) Draw this pendulum 1/2 of the way through its cycle:

3) Draw this pendulum3/4 of the way through its cycle:

4) Draw this pendulum at the end of a full cycle:

5) In which position(s) is the bob moving the fastest?

6) In which position(s) is the bob momentarily not moving (velocity is

zero)?

7) Draw a graphic representation of the displacement of the bob. Label

the amplitude and period on your graph.

+X

0
_________________________________________________________________________

-X

Lets build a simple pendulum!

You will need the following equipment for this portion of the lab: two chairs,
length of PVC or wood, string, paper clip or S-hook, washers, meter stick or
tape measure, stop watch (phone), and protractor.
Place a PVC or wooden bar across the backs of two chairs that are facing in
opposite directions, with approximately 18-24 inches between them, thusly:

Then, tie a piece of string around the bar and tie a paper clip to the lower
end. Feel free to bend or mangle the paper clip into a shape suitable for
holding up to ten washers. You may very well need to use more than one
paper clip.

Testing Three Variables that May Affect the Period of a

Pendulum
1) AMPLITUDE. Place a few washers on your pendulum and practice with
it a few times so that everything is functioning smoothly (ie. The
washers dont fall off or the string doesnt skip of become untied). Use
a timer to record the time it takes the pendulum to complete ten cycles
of varying amplitudes. Fill in the flowing chart and then come to a
conclusion about the effect of amplitude on the period of a pendulum.
Amplitude, or the angle
away from the
pendulums resting
point.
(degrees)
20
20
40
40
60
60
80
80

Conclusion:

Time for ten cycles

(seconds)

Period
(seconds)

2) MASS. During this portion of the lab we will be changing the mass of
the bob by altering the number of washers. Make sure you use the
same amplitude in each of your trials. Record your data in the chart
below and come to a conclusion about the effect of mass on the period
of a pendulum.

Number of
washers
2
2
4
4
6
6
8
8
10
10

Conclusion:

Mass
(grams)

Time for ten

cycles
(seconds)

Period
(seconds)

1) LENGTH. In this section of the lab we will be keeping the mass and
amplitude constant while altering the length of the pendulum. Choose
a number of washers and an amplitude that enable the pendulum to
function smoothly. Fill in the following chart and then come to a
conclusion about the effect of length on the period of a pendulum.

Length, from shortest to

longest
(Centimeters)
A=
A=
B=
B=
C=
C=
D=
D=

Conclusion:

Time for ten cycles

(seconds)

Period
(seconds)

Making predictions using the formula and a rather large

Pendulum

1)Measure the length of the string, in meters, of the

large pendulum. Record your data
here:__________________
2)Use the formula and calculate the period of the
pendulum. SHOW YOUR WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3)Swing the pendulum for ten cycles and record your

data here:_________________
4)Record the experimental value of the period
here:_________________
5)Add mass, find the period._______________________
6)Change the amplitude, find the
period.________________
7) Compare your experimental values to your calculated
value. Are the numbers fairly close? What are some
factors that may have affected your data?