Group#4: Hachim-Jeongho-Wasim-Cado-Cano
PHYS 3A
Professor Rosa Alvis
10/5/2021
Lab 4: Pendulum (energy conservation)
Learning Objectives:
To design and analyze an experiment for the purpose of describing how variables
(length, angle, and gravity field) affect the motion of a pendulum. During the process,
we will utilize the concept of conservation of energy to measure the acceleration of the
pendulum due to gravity ( ) and calculate the uncertainty of using the statistical
𝑔 𝑔
standard deviation of a sample formula.
Overview:
A simple way to describe a pendulum is a mass dangling from a central point of rotation
on a string of length (ℓ). The mass in our experiment will be a metal object. In the
physics domain, this string should be massless. When the mass is stationary, it is said
to be at equilibrium. If the mass is set into motion it will oscillate back and forth due to
the influence of gravity on the mass. This repetitive, back and forth motion is called
simple harmonic motion. A simple harmonic oscillator is a system that oscillates or has
recurrent movement around a position of equilibrium and there is zero net force on the
system.
The mass continuously tries to move toward equilibrium (rest position). At all points in
the oscillation of the pendulum, the angle between the force of tension and its direction
of motion is 90 degrees. Consequently, the force of tension does not do work upon the
metal object. Since there are no external forces doing work, the total mechanical energy
of the pendulum metal object is conserved.
