Experiment Title: Investigating Factors Affecting the Period of a Simple Pendulum

 Objective: 

To explore how the length of the pendulum string and the amplitude of the swing affect the period of a simple pendulum.

Materials:

• String or thin wire
• Weight (e.g., a small mass or a pendulum bob)
• Protractor
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Stopwatch or timer
• Clamp or stand to suspend the pendulum
• Table or workspace

Procedure:

1. Setting Up the Experiment:

1.1. Set up the clamp or stand to hold the pendulum in place.

1.2. Attach the weight to the end of the string or wire, creating the pendulum.

1.3. Ensure that the pendulum has enough space to swing freely without hitting any obstacles.

2. Varying the Length of the Pendulum:

2.1. Choose a fixed amplitude (angle) for the pendulum's swing. For example, you could start with a swing of 10 degrees from the vertical.

2.2. Measure and record the length of the pendulum string from the point of suspension to the center of the weight.

2.3. Release the pendulum from the same angle for each trial and use a stopwatch to measure the time it takes for the pendulum to complete a certain number of oscillations (e.g., 10 oscillations). This will give you the time for one oscillation.

2.4. Repeat step 2.3 for different lengths of the pendulum string, keeping the amplitude constant.

3. Varying the Amplitude of the Swing:

3.1. Choose a fixed length for the pendulum string.

3.2. Measure and record the initial angle (amplitude) from the vertical at which you release the pendulum.

3.3. Release the pendulum and measure the time for it to complete a certain number of oscillations as in step 2.3.

3.4. Repeat step 3.3 for different amplitudes of the swing while keeping the pendulum string length constant.

Recording Data:

Organize your data in a table, including the length of the pendulum string, amplitude, and the time for one oscillation for each trial.

Analyzing the Data:

• Create a graph with the length of the pendulum string on the x-axis and the corresponding period (time for one oscillation) on the y-axis.
• Create a separate graph with the amplitude on the x-axis and the corresponding period on the y-axis.
• Analyze the graphs to observe any trends or patterns in the data.
• Write down your observations about how changes in pendulum length and amplitude influence the period of the pendulum's swing.

Discussion:

• Discuss the results of the experiment, explaining how the length of the pendulum string and the amplitude of the swing affect the period of the pendulum.
• Consider possible sources of error in the experiment and suggest ways to improve the accuracy of the measurements.
• Formulate conclusions based on the data, graphs, and observations.

Further Exploration:

• Brainstorm other factors that might affect the period of the pendulum, such as the mass of the pendulum bob or air resistance.
• Design additional experiments to explore these factors and extend your understanding of pendulum motion.