Variables and a Simple Pendulum Experiment .................

In this experiment, you are going to keep the mass and the string length the same, so they will also be controlled variables.
You will change the angle on the pendulum. This is the independent variable. Then you'll measure the period, the dependent variable.

You can print this page to use it while you're doing the experiment.

Changing the Angle

Set up a length of string with one weight on the end.

Trial 1:

Draw the weight back to a steep angle (around 90°) and allow it to swing for five full periods (over and back, 5 times).
Time how long it takes to do this.
Then divide your answer by five, to get the time for one full period.

Repeat this twice more. Don't forget to divide by five each time ... we want the time for one period.

Now average your three answers. If you have printed this page, record your answer here:

BIG ANGLE:   Average time for one period: ____________ Trial 2:

Draw the weight back to a less steep angle (around 45°) and allow it to swing for five full periods (over and back, 5 times).
Time how long it takes to do this.
Then divide your answer by five, to get the time for one full period.

Repeat this twice more. Don't forget to divide by five each time ... we want the time for one period.

Now average your three answers. If you have printed this page, record your answer here:

NORMAL ANGLE:   Average time for one period: ____________ Trial 3:

Draw the weight back to a small angle (around 20°) and allow it to swing for five full periods (over and back, 5 times).
Time how long it takes to do this.
Then divide your answer by five, to get the time for one full period.

Repeat this twice more. Don't forget to divide by five each time ... we want the time for one period.

Now average your three answers. If you have printed this page, record your answer here:

SMALL ANGLE:   Average time for one period: ____________
By now you should have data that will lead you to a conclusion. You might want to write your conclusion here:

When you change the angle of release of a pendulum,
the period ______________________________
If you would like to see the answer, open this page.

Now try the next experiment.

Experiment 1:
Changing the Mass

Experiment 2:
Changing the Angle

Experiment 3:
Changing the Length

For Science 10:
The Pendulum Equation

Variables | Physics | Science & Math | Worsley School