Introduction
Through this experiment, we will determine the pendulum’s motion. As we are already familiar with the ways in which a pendulum can move. We will determine the factors that can affect the motion of a pendulum. In other words, we will measure the factors that can speed up and slow down the pendulum swinging back and forth.
Aim
To determine the factors that can affect the motion of a pendulum.
Theory
1. A pendulum consists of an object hung from the string, which is fixed to a support, known as the pendulum bob.
2. When the pendulum bob is displaced from the equilibrium and then released, it will start moving back and forth about its fixed equilibrium position. This motion is repeating and regular. Therefore, it is a periodic motion.
Requirements
1. String
2. Tape
3. Pencil
4. Objects that could be used as masses, for instance, clay, eraser, fishing weight, etc.
5. Stopwatch
Procedure
Step 1: Take a 110 cm long string.
Step 2: Mark this string at every 10 cm of interval.
Step 3: At every 10 cm mark, tape the string to a pencil.
Step 4: Now, place two desks close enough to bridge the gap between the two desks, and mass could hang from it.
Step 5: We now have created a pendulum.
Step 6: Pull the pendulum by 45०.
Step 7: Now, count the number of times this pendulum swings back to its original position within thirty seconds of time.
Step 8: Hang the object from the mark of 20cm.
Step 9: Repeat this experiment every 10 cm in intervals till 50 cm.
Step 10: Create a graph in which the number of swings will lie on the vertical Y-axis and the string length on the horizontal X-axis.
Step 11: Now, add more mass to the pendulum and repeat this experiment.
Observation
We observed that the longer the string of the pendulum, the less will be the number of swings in the given interval of time. And changing the mass of the pendulum does not have any effect on the period.
Results
1. Longer the string of the pendulum, the less will be the number of swings.
2. Changing the mass of the pendulum does not have any effect on the period.
Precautions
1. String should not be very thin.
2. Release the mass after pulling it to forty-five degrees.
Conclusion
In this way, we have determined the factors which can affect the motion of a pendulum.
VIVA Questions With Answers
Q.1 What was the aim of your experiment?
ANS. To determine the factors that can affect the motion of a pendulum.
Q.2 What is the effect of the length of the string on the number of oscillations?
ANS. The longer the string of the pendulum, the less will be the number of swings.
Q.3 What is the effect of the pendulum’s mass on the number of oscillations?
ANS. Changing the mass of the pendulum does not have any effect on the number of oscillations.
Q.4 Name some instruments that work on the principle of the pendulum in everyday life?
ANS. Some of those instruments are clocks, earthquake seismometers, and amusement park ideas.
Q.5 What do you understand about the pendulum bob?
ANS. A pendulum consists of an object hung from a string that is fixed to a support, which is known as the pendulum bob.

Saquib Siddiqui is a Mechanical Engineer with expertise in science projects and experiments. Saquib’s work focuses on integrating scientific concepts with practical applications, making complex ideas accessible and exciting for learners of all ages. In addition to his practical work, Saquib has authored several articles, research papers, and educational materials.
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