2023

MECHANISM & VIBRATIONS

MUHAMMAD HAMZA BAIG

 Measure the time period of a simple pendulum at different lengths.

Where T = time period

INTRODUCTION:
A simple pendulum is a system where a small object (called the bob) is attached to a
light, inextensible string and suspended from a fixed point. The vertical line passing
through the fixed point is the pendulum's mean position. The distance between the fixed
point and the center of mass of the bob when the pendulum is at its mean position is
called the pendulum's length, denoted by L.

The pendulum's resonant frequency is the frequency at which it oscillates most easily. It
is determined by the length of the pendulum and the acceleration due to gravity.
 Terminologies associated with simple pendulum:
 Oscillation: One complete to-and-fro motion of the pendulum.
 Time period: The time taken by the pendulum to complete one oscillation.
 Frequency: The number of oscillations made by the pendulum in one second.
 Amplitude: The maximum displacement of the pendulum from its mean position.
 Mean position: The position of the pendulum when it is at rest.
 Length: The distance between the point of suspension and the center of mass of
the bob when the pendulum is in its mean position.
 Mass: The mass of the bob.
 Acceleration due to gravity (g): The acceleration of an object falling freely
under the influence of gravity.
 Bob: The small object that is suspended from the string.
 String: The inextensible cord that connects the bob to the fixed point.
 Pivot: The point where the string is attached to the fixed point.
 Restoring force: The force that pulls the bob back to its mean position when it is
displaced.
 Simple harmonic motion: The type of motion that a simple pendulum
undergoes when its amplitude is small.

Factors Affecting the time period of simple pendulum:

 Length of the pendulum: The longer the pendulum, the longer the time period.
 Acceleration due to gravity: The stronger the gravitational pull, the shorter the time
period.
 Mass of the pendulum: The mass of the pendulum does not affect the time period.

Other factors, such as the amplitude of the pendulum and the air resistance, can also
affect the time period, but these effects are usually negligible.
APPARATUS:
 1 Cord
 1 Bob
 Stopwatch
 Inches tape
 1 Balancing Pin
 Frame

Figure 1 : Simple Pendulum

PROCEDURE:
 Set Up the Pendulum: Attach a string or thread to a bob (the weight at the end
of the pendulum). The bob can be any small object of known weight.
 Measure the Initial Length: Measure the length of the pendulum from the point
of suspension to the center of the bob. This is your initial length.
 Perform the First Set of Oscillations: Displace the bob to one side and let it
swing. Count 20 oscillations (an oscillation is a full swing from one side to the
other and back again). Use a stopwatch to measure the time it takes for these 20
oscillations.
 Calculate the Time Period: Divide the total time by 20 to get the time period for
one oscillation at this length.
 Repeat for Different Lengths: Shorten or lengthen your pendulum by a known
amount. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for these new lengths.
 Record Your Observations: For each length, record the time period of one
oscillation.
 Remember, while performing this experiment, ensure that the angle of
displacement is small (not more than 20 degrees) to maintain the conditions of
simple harmonic motion. Also, try to minimize air resistance and friction at the
point of suspension for accurate results.

This experiment will help you understand how the length of a pendulum affects
its period of oscillation.

RESULTS:
Derivation of time period:

Using the equation of motion,

T – mg cosθ = mv2L

The torque tends to bring the mass to its equilibrium position,

τ = mgL × sinθ = mgsinθ × L = I × α

For small angles of oscillations sin θ ≈ θ,

Therefore, Iα = -mgLθ

α = -(mgLθ)/I

– ω02 θ = -(mgLθ)/I
 ω02 = (mgL)/I

ω0 = √(mgL/I)

Using I = ML2, [where I denote the moment of inertia of bob]

we get, ω0 = √(g/L)

Therefore, the time period of a simple pendulum is given by,

T = 2π/ω0 = 2π × √(L/g)

Table:
Length Exp. Time Exp. time for Theoretical Percenta
ge Error
(mm) period for 20 one complete time
oscillations oscillation period (%)
(s) (s)
900 mm 39.67 s 1.983 s 1.904 s 3.98%
750 mm 36.0 s 1.800 s 1.738 s 3.44%
640 mm 32.92 s 1.646 s 1.605 s 2.49%

DISCUSSION:
The experiment was designed to investigate how the length of a pendulum (l) affects the
time it takes for the pendulum to complete one full swing (T), taking into account the
influence of gravity (g). The results of the experiment confirmed the hypothesis that a
longer pendulum takes more time to complete one swing. This is consistent with the
predicted outcome based on the relevant formula. The data collected in the experiment
was highly accurate. The results closely matched the predictions of the formula,
indicating that the experiment was conducted carefully and precisely. The small amount
of error in the experiment was attributed to factors such as friction and air resistance.
These factors were present, but they did not significantly impact the results.
CONCLUSION:

The experiment successfully demonstrated the direct correlation between the length of
a pendulum and its oscillation period. As the length increased, so did the time for each
swing, which is in line with theoretical predictions. The goal of determining the time
period at different lengths was effectively achieved, fulfilling the experiment’s objective.
The experimental results were in harmony with the expectations set by the theoretical
formula, thereby validating its accuracy. The minimal error margin in the experiment
indicates meticulous execution and precision, lending credibility to the findings.
Interestingly, the experiment also highlighted that the pendulum’s swing time is
independent of the bob’s weight. This emphasizes that it’s the pendulum’s length that
primarily dictates its oscillatory behavior.