Exploring Physical Pendulums

Students use a meter stick as a physical pendulum to explore the factors that affect the period and the mathematical properties of the physical pendulum period equation.

Using a photogate, students discover that the amplitude changes the period, but small amplitudes have little effect. They measure the period and calculate the rotational inertia for different rotation axis locations. Using this data, they discover the parallel axis theorem. They include the parallel axis theorem in the period equation and solve for the x value that results in a 1.62 s period. They discover that there are two solutions, which means there must be an x value that results in a minimum period. Students that have had calculus are asked to find the value of x that results in the minimum period. Students without calculus graph period versus x to find the minimum.

Grade Level: College • High School

Subject: Physics

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Featured Equipment

Meter Stick Torque Mass Hanger Set

Replacement set of three mass hangers and one meter stick clamp for doing meter stick torque experiments.

Pivot

This Pivot is used as a fulcrum in meter stick torque and as a rotation device for rotational inertia experiments.

Meter Stick Torque Set

For torque experiments with a meter stick balance

Aluminum Meter Sticks (6 Pack)

These hollow aluminum meter sticks are rigid and straight.

Support

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