Students will test two variables, to determine their effect on the pendulum’s period. Just as objects with different masses accelerate in free-fall at the same rate, changing the mass of a simple pendulum will not change its period. Changing the length of the pendulum does effect the period, with shorter pendulums having shorter periods.
Required Equipment
Hooked Masses, Meter Stick, Stop Watch, Ring Stand, Pendulum Clamp, Fishing Line
Download Teacher Notes and Student Worksheets
The "Fishing Line" required for this lab is readily available at your local hardware or sports supply store. Each lab group would need one piece of fishing line about 120 centimeters in length.
