Physics practical

Simple pendulum

Time a pendulum at five lengths, plot T² against l, and use the gradient to find g.

What you will do

1. 01Set the string length with the clamp and read l off the metre rule.
2. 02Release the bob and time 20 oscillations with the stopwatch.
3. 03Repeat for at least five lengths between 20 cm and 100 cm.
4. 04Tabulate l, t, T and T², plot T² against l, and draw the line of best fit.
5. 05Measure the gradient with a large triangle and calculate g.
6. 06Name a source of inaccuracy and how you would reduce it.