Simple Pendulum: Investigating Factors Affecting the Period (CSEC Physics 1.

2)

1. What is a Simple Pendulum?

Definition:

We have all seen objects swinging to and fro, though not all of them could

have been described as ‘simple’. So what is a simple pendulum?

We shall examine whether these relationships are

true or not by setting up our own investigations.

‘heliocentric’ theory ❯

Up to the early part of the last century many of

the clocks in existence were ‘grandfather’ clocks

where pendulums formed an important part of

the structure. Although the pendulums used in

these clocks were certainly not ‘simple’ in the

sense explained on the next page, they were an

integral part of the mechanism since their time of

swing was found to be largely constant, meaning

they kept relatively accurate time.

Grandfather clocks have since been superseded

by clocks using flat coiled springs or still more

recently by clocks using a quartz crystal (or by

digital clocks), which are much more reliable

and accurate.

Figure 4.1 Galileo Galilei.

54

Section A • Mechanics

A simple pendulum is an arrangement consisting of a heavy, but relatively

small, mass hanging from one end of a length of light string or thread, with

the other end of the thread or string attached to a fi xed (i.e. immovable)

support. If the string or thread used is not light, but thick and heavy and the

mass not small compared with the thickness of the string, the pendulum is not

considered ‘simple’.

The rest of this chapter will be devoted to studying the physics of the simple

pendulum – not the forces which cause it to swing from side to side, but the

factors which affect the time that its swing takes. Most of us would know from

experience that one factor affecting the period of a pendulum’s swing is the

length of the suspension. You might have noticed this in children’s swings as

well. There are other factors which also have an infl uence, such as:

(i) the mass of the body at the end of the suspension;

(ii) the size of the body;

(iii) the angle through which the pendulum swings.

Although these factors are not as effective as the length, they are, nevertheless,

of suffi cient importance to be worth investigating later in this chapter. We

begin, however, with the effect of the length of the pendulum on the time

of swing.
A simple pendulum is a device consisting of a small, heavy object (called the bob) suspended by
a light, inextensible (does not stretch) string or rod of fixed length from a fixed point, so that it
can swing freely back and forth under the influence of gravity in a vertical plane.

 Bob: The mass at the end of the string, usually assumed to be a point mass (all its mass
is concentrated at a single point).

 String: Assumed to have negligible mass and does not stretch.

 Fixed Point: The point from which the pendulum is suspended.

 Plane of Oscillation: The path along which the pendulum swings, which is always vertical.

Diagram:
text

O (fixed point)

| l (length)

o (bob, mass m)

2. The Period of a Simple Pendulum

Definition of Period (T):

The period of a pendulum is the time it takes to complete one full swing (oscillation), i.e., from
one extreme position, to the other, and back again.

 Unit: seconds (s)

 Symbol: T

Definition of Oscillation:
One complete movement from the starting point, to the opposite extreme, and back to the
starting point.

3. Factors Affecting the Period of a Simple Pendulum

According to the CSEC syllabus, the three main factors to investigate are:

1. Length of the String (l)

2. Mass of the Bob (m)

3. Angle of Displacement (θ)

Let’s examine each in detail.

A. Length of the String (l)

Definition:
The straight-line distance from the fixed support to the center of mass of the bob.
Effect on Period:
The period of a simple pendulum is directly proportional to the square root of its length. This
means, as the length increases, the period increases.

Mathematical Relationship:

.006s

B. Mass of the Bob (m)

Definition:
The amount of matter in the bob, measured in kilograms (kg).

Effect on Period:
The period of a simple pendulum is independent of the mass of the bob.
This means, whether the bob is heavy or light, the period remains the same (assuming the
string and air resistance are negligible).

Explanation:
  The force of gravity acts equally on all masses.

 Both the restoring force (which pulls the pendulum back to the center) and the inertia
(which resists motion) are proportional to mass, so mass cancels out in the equations.

Experimental Confirmation:

 If you use a 50g bob and a 200g bob with the same length and angle, both will have the
same period.

C. Angle of Displacement (θ)

Definition:
The angle between the string and the vertical when the pendulum is released.

Effect on Period:

 For small angles (typically less than 10°), the period is independent of the angle.

 For larger angles, the period increases slightly with increasing angle.

Explanation:

4. How to Investigate These Factors (Practical Approach)

A. Apparatus Needed

 Retort stand or strong support

 String or light, inextensible thread

 Bob (metal or wooden sphere)

 Meter rule (for measuring length)

 Stopwatch (for timing)

 Protractor (for measuring angle)

 Clamp (to hold string)

B. General Experimental Procedure

1. Set up the pendulum: Attach the string to the stand, tie the bob at the end.

2. Measure the length: From the fixed point to the center of the bob.

3. Displace the bob: Pull it to one side to the required angle (use protractor).

4. Release the bob: Let it swing freely.

5. Time the oscillations: Use a stopwatch to measure the time for a set number of
oscillations (e.g., 10 or 20).

6. Calculate the period: Divide the total time by the number of oscillations.

2. Varying Mass

 Keep length and angle constant.

 Use bobs of different masses (e.g., 50g, 100g, 200g).

 Measure the period for each mass.

 Period should remain constant.

3. Varying Angle

 Keep length and mass constant.

 Change angle (e.g., 5°, 10°, 20°, 30°).

 Measure period for each angle.

  For small angles, period remains constant; for larger angles, period increases.

5. Data Collection and Analysis

 Observation: Record all measurements in a table.

 Recording: Use proper units (s, m, g, degrees).

 Reporting: Present results in tables and graphs.

 Analysis: Identify patterns, e.g.,

 T2 ∝ l

 Interpretation: Explain results based on physics principles.

Sample Data Table: Investigating Length

Length Time for 10 Oscillations Period (s) Period Squared (s²)

(m) (s)

0.40 12.6 1.26 1.59

0.60 15.5 1.55 2.40

0.80 17.9 1.79 3.20

1.00 20.0 2.00 4.00

Plotting T2 vs. l gives a straight line, confirming T2 ∝ l.

6. Sources of Error and Precautions

 Air resistance: Can slightly slow the bob.

 Amplitude too large: Use small angles for accuracy.

 Timing errors: Start/stop stopwatch accurately; use multiple oscillations to reduce error.

 Measuring length: Measure from the fixed point to the center of the bob.

 Friction at support: Ensure the string swings freely.

7. Key Definitions (Exam-Ready)

  Simple Pendulum: A mass (bob) suspended by a light, inextensible string, free to swing
under gravity.

 Period (T): The time taken for one complete oscillation.

 Oscillation: One complete to-and-fro movement.

 Amplitude: Maximum displacement from the equilibrium position.

 Frequency (f): Number of oscillations per second;

 f=1/T.

8. Real-World Applications

 Clocks: Pendulum clocks use the regular period for accurate timekeeping.

 Seismology: Pendulums detect earth tremors.

 Metronomes: Musicians use pendulum-based devices to keep time.

 Engineering: Understanding pendulum motion helps in designing suspension bridges

and amusement rides.

9. Summary Table: Effects of Factors on Period

Factor Effect on Period (T) Explanation

T∝l
Length
Longer length = longer period
(l)

Mass
No effect Mass cancels out in equations
(m)

Angle No effect for small angles; increases for At large angles, restoring force less
(θ) large angles effective

10. Conclusion

 The length of the string is the only factor (among those tested) that significantly affects
the period of a simple pendulum for small angles.

 The mass of the bob and small angle of displacement do not affect the period.

 For large angles, the period increases slightly.

  These findings are confirmed by both experiment and mathematical theory.

Skills Practiced (as per syllabus):

 MM (Manipulation/Measurement): Setting up apparatus, measuring length, timing

oscillations.

 ORR (Observation/Recording/Reporting): Observing motion, recording times, reporting

results.

 AI (Analysis/Interpretation): Calculating periods, plotting graphs, interpreting results.

 PD (Planning/Designing): Designing fair tests, controlling variables, planning

experiments.