NAME:. CLASS: DATE:. PRACTICAL No.:.. Using a pendulum to measure the acceleration due to gravity.

This is a group experiment or one that may be done as a teacher demonstration. AIMS: 1. 2. 3. To establish the distance fallen by a plum-bob in a particular time interval. To establish the time taken for the plumb-bob to fall a particular distance. To establish the acceleration due to gravity from the results obtained.

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Pay careful attention to the pre-prac. talk and discussion and take notes so that you are sure what you have to do when carrying out the investigation. Decide on and write up an action plan to measure the acceleration of the falling plumbob, using the pendulum method. Carry out the investigation, taking due care as to where, how and why the cotton is broken. Repeat the investigation several times. Analyse the results and do the necessary calculations. Determine the acceleration due to gravity from this investigation and compare this with the accepted value for the acceleration due to gravity.

PROCEDURE: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Describe your action plan, including a statement of the problem, the apparatus you will use and the method that you will follow. Carry out your investigation, taking the necessary readings and measurements. Determine the average distance fallen by the plumb-bob from each of the investigations. Using a stop watch, establish the time taken for 20 swings of the pendulum and thus establish the time taken for the plumb-bob to fall this specific distance. Calculate the acceleration of the plumb-bob. Comment on the similarity of this value with that of the accepted value for g. Include and discuss the factors that could have caused any apparent errors.

ASSESSMENT: Consult the rubrics on the next page that will be used to assess and evaluate your work. Ensure you have attempted to carry out all the requirements. The total mark allocated to the investigation, is indicated on the rubric sheet.

NAME:. CLASS:. DATE:

Assessment of the measurement of the acceleration due to gravity using a pendulum. Assessment of group work skill. Criteria Not Achieved 1 Works co-operatively with others, each having a part to play. Assists in performing prac without needing instruction. Knows what to do and is well prepared. Assessment of analytical skills. Criteria Learner correctly measures distance fallen Learner burns cotton between pulleys at top Learner relates time of plumb-bob fall to pendulum swing Not Achieved 1 1 1 1 Competency level Partially achieved 2 2 2 2 Achieved 3 3 3 3 (9) Assessment of recording skills Description of competency level All readings recorded in a clear, logical manner, demonstrating an understanding of the process required for the correct analysis. Readings correctly recorded, in a haphazard manner without a logical structure Readings recorded, but there are errors in the recording that will influence the outcome of the investigation negatively Some readings are recorded, but there is clearly no understanding of the procedure that is being followed to achieve a successful outcome Assessment of interpretation of data Criteria Calculation of acceleration due to gravity Learner correctly finds ave. distance fallen for plumb-bob. Correctly determines the time unit for fall. Learner carries out calculation correctly, using the correct time unit for determination of g. Learner correctly discusses possible deviations from accepted value for g. One error made in the above More than one error made in above Attempts to do calculation but demonstrates no understanding of procedures Maximum marks: 23 Competency level 4 3 2 1 (4) Competency level 4 3 2 1 (4) Mark achieved: 1 1 Competency level Partially achieved 2 2 2 (6) Achieved 3 3 3

Sample results from the experiment to determine g by pendulum method. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Plumb-bob released from the 3 cm mark on the metre rule in each experiment. Metre rule reading for first experiment = 89.6 m. Metre rule reading for second experiment = 88.9 m. Metre rule reading for third experiment = 90.3 m. Number of swings of the pendulum in I minute = 36 swings.