Broken Pendulum Method

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I conducted this experiment upon a school deck which was flat and stable to ensure a well-balanced surface. Firstly I found out that the length of the string is the only affecting factor in this investigation. In order to find out how the length (b) of the string affects the swinging of a pendulum, I took 6 different lengths (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, metres). I originally planned that the lengths I would measure would be (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, metres), however I took this data and did a quick sketch of the graph and found it difficult to see a definite relationship. So to resolve this issue, I took an extra measurement of 0.05m, which gave me enough information to conclude that the period (T) was proportional to the square root of the length (B). When measuring the different lengths of string I measured from just below the ruler to the top of the suspended mass. Throughout my experiment these 2 positions became my fixed points for measuring my lengths. The diagram below shows exactly where I measured from (Point A – Point B). It became apparent to me that where I released the mass from would affect the period (T). However this idea proved to be irrelevant when I tested the effect of different angles from the equilibrium position. I concluded that for small angles approximately under 30 degrees there was no effect on the period. In my experiment however, I used the protractor to ensure the position in which I released the mass from was consistent throughout all my trials, the angle I released the mass from was 15 degrees. I timed each length for 10 oscillations and repeated each trial 5 times. There are various steps I have gone to, to ensure that the investigation was as fair as possible. Timing each oscillation using my own observation skills supplied me with inaccurate results. The problem was the potential delay with starting and stopping the

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