Aim:

To study variation of time period of a simple pendulum of a given mass and interpret
the result. Also plot its L-T2 graph.

Apparatus:

1. A Clamp With Stand

2. Bob with Hook
3. Split Cork
4. Stop Clock/Stop Watch
5. Vernier Callipers
6. Cotton Thread
7. Half Meter Scale

Theory:

A simple pendulum consists of a heavy metallic (brass) sphere with a hook (bob) suspended from a
rigid stand, with clamp by a weightless inextensible and perfectly flexible thread through a slit cork,
capable of oscillating in a single plane, without any friction, with a small amplitude (less than 15 0)
as shown in figure 6.1 (a). There is no ideal simple pendulum. In practice, we make a simple
pendulum by tying a metallic spherical bob to a fine cotton stitching thread.

The spherical bob may be regarded by as a point mass at its centre G. The distance between the
point of suspension S and the centre G of the spherical bob is to be regarded as the effective
length of the pendulum as shown in figure 6.1 (b). The effective length of a simple pendulum,

L = l + h + r. Where l is the length of the thread, h is length of hook, r is radius of bob.

The simple pendulum produces Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) as the acceleration of the
pendulum bob is directly proportional to its displacement from the mean position and is
always directed towards it. The time period (T) of a simple pendulum for oscillations of small
amplitude, is given by the relation,

T = 2 π √ (L/g)

Where, g = value of acceleration due to gravity and L is the effective length of the pendulum.

T2 = (4π2/g) X L

Or, T2 = KL (K= constant)

and, g = 4π2(L/T2)

If T is plotted along the Y-axis and L along the X-axis, we should get a parabola. If T2 is
plotted along the Y- axis and L along the X-axis, we should get a straight line passing through
the origin.

Procedure:

1. Find the vernier constant and zero error of the vernier callipers same as experiment 1.
2. Measure the radius (r) of the bob using a vernier callipers same as experiment 1.
3. Measure the length of hook (h) and note it on the table 6.1.
4. Since h and r is already known, adjust the length of the thread l to make L = l + h + r an
integer (say L = 80cm) and mark it as M1 with ink. Making L an integer will make the
drawing easier. (You can measure the distance between the point of suspension (ink
mark) and the point of contact between the hook and the bob directly. Hence you get l +
h directly).
5. Similarly mark M2, M3, M4 , M5, and M6 on the thread as distance (L) of 90 cm, 100
cm, 110cm, 120cm and 130 cm respectively.
6. Pass the thread through the two half-pieces of a split cork coming out just from the ink
mark (M1).
7. Tight the split cork between the clamp such that the line of separation of the two pieces of
the split cork is at right angles to the line along which the pendulum oscillates.
8. Fix the clamp in the stand and place it on the table such that the bob is hanging at-least 2
cm above the base of the stand.
9. Mark a point A on the table (use a chalk) just below the position of bob at rest and draw a
straight line BC of 10 cm having a point A at its centre. Over this line bob will oscillate.
10. Find the least count and the zero error of the stop clock/watch. Bring its hands at zero
position
11. Move the bob by hand to over position B on the right of A and leave. See that the bob
returns over line BC. Make sure that bob is not spinning.
 12. Now counting oscillations, from the instant bob passes through its mean position L,
where its velocity is maximum. So starting from L it traverses LL2, L2L, LL1, L1L
hence, one oscillation is completed. We have to find time for 20 such oscillations.
13. Now start the stop watch at the instant the bob passes through the mean position A. Go on
counting the number of oscillations it completes. As soon as it completes 20 oscillations,
stop the watch. Note the time t for 20 oscillations in the table 6.1.
14. Repeat the measurement at least 3 times for the same length.
15. Now increase the length of the thread by 10 cm or 15 cm (M2) and measure the time t
for this length as explained from step 6 to 14.
16. Repeat step 15 for at least 4 more different lengths.

Observations:

Vernier constant:

Vernier constant of the vernier callipers, V.C. = ………………..cm

Zero error, ±e = ……………………cm

Diameter of the bob and length of hook:

Observe diameter of the bob:= (i) …….cm, (ii)………..cm, (iii)…………..cm

Mean diameter of bob, d0 = ………..cm

Mean corrected diameter of bob, d = d0 ±e = …………cm

Radius of the bob, r = d/2= ………..cm

Length of the hook, h= ……….cm

Standard value acceleration due to gravity, g1: 980 cm s-2

Table 6.1 Determination of time-periods for same lengths of the different pendulum.

Length Effective Time for 20

Radius of of the length oscillations Mean time Time
Bo bob with thread L=l+ period
b zero error and (h+ r) t1 t2 t3 t= T =… s
no. correction hook, cm s
(l+h) cm s s s
1
2
3

4
Calculation:

We know, T = 2 π √ (L/g)

Experimental value, g1 = 4π2(L/T2) = ………………..

So, %error = (g-g1)/g *100 = ……………………….

Graph:

L vs T2 Graph

Plot the graph between L and T2 from the observations recorded in the table 6.1. Take L along X-
axis and T2 along Y-axis. The L-T2 curve is a straight line passing through the (0, 0) point. So the
origin of the graph should be chosen (0, 0). As shown in the figure 6.2.

Fig-6.2
Precautions:

1. The thread should be very light and strong.

2. The point of suspension should be reasonably rigid.
3. The pendulum should oscillate in the vertical plane without any spin motion.
4. The floor of the laboratory should not have vibration, which may cause a deviation
from the regular oscillation of the pendulum.
5. The amplitude of vibration should be small (less than 15) .
6. The length of the pendulum should be as large as possible in the given situation.’
7. Determination of time for 20 or more oscillations should be carefully taken and repeated
for at least three times.
8. There must not be strong wind blowing during the experiment.