2.5 Experiment: Measuring Gravitational Acceleration Using a Simple Pendulum

2.5 Experiment: Measuring Gravitational Acceleration Using a Simple Pendulum

Objective:

To measure the acceleration due to gravity (g) using the period of a simple pendulum.

Apparatus:

- A string or rod
- A bob (mass)
- A protractor to measure angular displacement
- A stopwatch

Procedure:

1. Set up the simple pendulum with a known length L.
2. Displace the pendulum by a small angle (less than 15 degrees) and release it.
3. Measure the time taken for 10 complete oscillations using a stopwatch.
4. Calculate the period T by dividing the total time by 10.
5. Use the period T to calculate the acceleration due to gravity using the formula:

g = 4π²L/T²

Data Analysis:

Compare the calculated value of g with the standard value 9.81 m/s². The experimental value should be close to the standard value if the experiment is conducted accurately.