The Simple Pendulum

AIM
To draw the l – T2 graph of the Simple Pendulum and hence to find the acceleration due to
gravity at the place and the length of the Seconds Pendulum
APPARATUS
Simple Pendulum, metre scale, stop clock, vernier calipers etc.
THEORY
The time period of the oscillation of the Simple Pendulum is
given by the equation T = 2π
√ l
g
where l is the length of the
l
pendulum. Then the acceleration due to gravity g = 4π2 2
T
l
It is found that 2
is a constant. Then l – T2 graph is a straight line.
T

A simple pendulum whose time period is 2 sec is called a Seconds pendulum.

l AB
From the graph =
T 2
BC
OBSERVATIONS
Diameter of the pendulum bob d = cm Radius of the bob r = d/2 = cm
Trial Length of the Time taken for 20 Oscillations t T2 l
T = s cm/s2
No pendulum (l) cm (l-r) cm 1 2 Mean (t) s 20 s2 T 2

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
 l
Mean 2
= cm / s2 = m / s2
T

From the graph

AB = div = cm
BC = div = s2
l AB
= = cm / s2 = m / s2
T
2
BC

l
Mean = cm / s2 = m / s2
T2

l
Acceleration due to gravity at the place g = 4π2 2
=
T

= m / s2

Length of the Seconds Pendulum = cm = m

Length of the the pendulum with period T = 1.5 s = cm = m

for l = 110 cm , T2 = s2

that is T = s

Period of the pendulum with length l = 110 cm = s

RESULTS

1. It is found that l - T2 graph is a straight line

2. Length of the Seconds Pendulum = m
3. Length of the pendulum of period 1.5 s = m
4. Period of the pendulum of length 110 cm = s
5. Acceleration due to gravity at the place = m / s2