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Target Audience:
11th and 12th grade Physics class
Objectives:
Students Will Be Able To:
• Observe period motion through a pendulum.
• Explore the variables that affect a pendulum.
• Use the equation for the period of a pendulum to solve periodic motion
equations.
Standards Assessed: New York State Standards for The Physical Setting
4.1 Observe and describe transmission of various forms of energy.
iv. determine the factors that affect the period of a pendulum
Misconception(s) Addressed:
• The mass and starting angle of a pendulum have a significant impact on the period of the
pendulum.
• Period and frequency are the same thing.
Aim: Apply discoveries from the lab and period equation to relevant problems.
Necessary Preparation:
COPIES
• Pendulum Lab Worksheets from last class
MATERIALS
SET UP
Becky McCoy
Lesson Plan
Aim: Apply discoveries from the lab and period equation to relevant problems.
Procedure:
Write the equation for the period of a pendulum on the board: T=2π *sqrt(l/g) and point out that
the only changing variable is string length (l).
The string provides a force of tension that does not allow the mass to
fall downward at the horizontal point it begins, but causes it to swing
until the lowest point (also the point of most KE, so it keeps swinging).
Since this is the same as free fall, we know the mass is negligible. If
students still aren’t convinced, do the mathematical proof showing mass is not influential in free
fall:
F = ma for free fall, the only force is gravitational: mg
mg = ma the masses cancel out, showing that the acceleration is ‘g’
However, in the pendulums we are using, the string length is fairly short, so the angle will have a
small affect on the period.
✔ FOR UNDERSTANDING
Becky McCoy
Remind students that this ideal situation doesn’t occur because of friction.
A SHO undergoes SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION, vibratory motion in a system in which the
restoring force is proportional to the displacement from equilibrium. F = -kx
Allow students time to calculate the theoretical period for each of their trials and the practice
questions. Take a break after 10 minutes to review theoretical and laboratory results.
Practice Questions:
1. What is the length of a pendulum that has a period of 4.4 seconds?
2a. What does the length of a pendulum have to be in order to keep time for a clock (T= 1sec).
2b. What if this pendulum is on the moon (gravity is about 1/6 of earth).
Homework:
Finish Pendulum Lab Sheet.
Extension Activity:
Review the spring pendulum and how it is used to measure seismic waves using Wolfram
Demonstration: http://demonstrations.wolfram.com/VerticalPendulumSeismometer/
Assessment:
Formative:
• Student answers during small group and large group discussion.
• Student homework responses.
• Exit cards.
Becky McCoy
Resources: n/a