Pendulum Essay

The Problem Does the angle of a pendulum increase or decrease its swings per minute and what is the effect of the angle of release of the pendulum on it’s swings per minute? A pendulum is something hanging from a string or chain that when released, swings back and forth because of gravity ( “Academy Pendulums”). The swinging is caused by air resistance going in the opposite direction as the pendulum, making it go back and forth. A bob is the weight at the bottom of the pendulum. When a pendulum is released, it is pulled downward by gravity and accelerates 9.8 meters per second as it falls. When it swings upwards, it loses 9.8 meters per second. When a pendulum goes forward and then back again one time it is called an oscillation. An oscillation

Make sure the markings start at zero. Ensure that the mass stays constant through the experiment.

Take the measuring tape and measure the length of the string the bob is hanging on. Ensure that this length stays constant throughout the experiment.

Record the results.

Take the protractor and align it with the middle of the sticking out portion of the pendulum.

Pull the string and align it with 15 degrees.

Set the stopwatch to one minute. Don't start it yet.

Simultaneously start the stopwatch as soon as the string is released. Begin counting the swings of the pendulum.

Once the stopwatch hits one minute stop counting and turn off the stopwatch.

Record the swings in a minute. Repeat steps 3-11 four more times. Calculate all trials using the average formula to find their averages. Record the result. Take the triple beam balance and put the bob of the pendulum on the pan to measure the mass. Make sure the markings start at zero. Ensure that the mass stays constant through the experiment.

Take the measuring tape and measure the length of the string the bob is hanging on. Ensure that this length stays constant throughout the

Throughout every angle used, each of the trials were between 41 and 36 swings per minute. When releasing the pendulum from 15 degrees, the results of the trials were 39 swings per minute, then 40 swings per minute, 38 swings per minute ,39 swings per minute, then finally 39 swings per minute. When releasing the pendulum from 30 degrees the results of the trials were 39 swings per minute , then 41 swings per minute, 40 swings per minute, 36 swings per minute, and finally 37 swings per minute. When the pendulum was released from 45 degrees, the results of the trials were 39 swings per minute, then 38 swings per minute,38 swings per minute,38 swings per minute, then 41 swings per minute. When the pendulum was released from 90 degrees, the results of the trials were 38 swings per minute, then 39 swings per minute, 38 swings per minute,38 swings per minute, and finally 41 swings per