Aim:

The aim of this experiment is to determine the acceleration due to gravity using a simple pendulum.
Theory:
When determining the acceleration due to gravity using a simple pendulum, we use the following
equation:

Where L is the length of the pendulum, the acceleration due to gravity is g, and the period of the
pendulum T (the time it takes for one complete swing)
From this equation we get:

, where

is the gradient of the graph of

versus L.
Method:
1. The simple pendulum was set up using a retort stand, a piece of string (1m), 2
similar coins and a bob (heavy weight).
2. The length of the string pendulum was accurately recorded.
3. The bob was given a small displacement, and allowed to swing freely.
4. By using a stopwatch, the time for 10 complete swings (back and forth), was
recorded accurately, and was repeated 3 times.
5. Steps 2 4 were repeated for the different lengths: 0.8m, 0.6m, 0.4m, 0.3m, and
0.2m.
6. All of the results were recorded in a table.
7. All measurements were recorded accurately.
8. From the results and measurements the value of was calculated using the gradient
of the graph as well as the following formula:

.
Results:

Table 1: The results following experiment 2.
Length of
pendulum
(L)(m)
Time for 10 complete swings (s)
Mean time
for 10
swings (s)
Period, T
Time for 1
swing (s)

Reading 1 Reading 2 Reading 3
0.8 17.66 17.71 17.82 17.73 1.773 3.14
0.6 15.50 15.31 15.44 14.42 1.442 2.08
0.4 12.50 12.59 12.66 12.58 1.258 1.58
0.3 10.87 10.78 10.85 10.83 1.083 1.17
0.2 8.85 8.75 8.72 8.77 0.877 0.77

Calculations:

From the graph we can calculate m, which is the gradient:

Let be equal to

so that

Conclusion:
The value of is a constant, it is the acceleration due to gravity and is 9.8 m/s
2
.
From the calculations it is found that has a value of 9.86 m/s
2
. This value is fairly close to the
accepted value of , which is 9.8 m/s
2
.