Build a Pendulum Activity
Procedure
Design and build a pendulum using the equipment available in the lab. Remember: you are experimenting to see how three particular variables affect the amount of time it takes your pendulum to stop swinging once released.
The variables you are testing are called "independent variables," and the factor affected (amount of time to stop) is called the "dependent variable." In other words, we are attempting to find how pendulum swing time depends on the three given variables.
Design and build a pendulum using the equipment available in the lab. Remember: you are experimenting to see how three particular variables affect the amount of time it takes your pendulum to stop swinging once released.
The variables you are testing are called "independent variables," and the factor affected (amount of time to stop) is called the "dependent variable." In other words, we are attempting to find how pendulum swing time depends on the three given variables.
For the next step, you must have a Gmail address separate from your school email address. If you need help signing up for Gmail, click HERE.
While conducting your experiment, keep a data table using Google Docs. Click the link at the right to go to Google Docs. Log into Google Docs using your Gmail information. Once in Google Docs, click the "Create new" drop-down box. Select "Spreadsheet." Design a data table in the spreadsheet. Make sure to have one column headed with each variable to be tested plus one column headed with the factor affected by the variables. Show your spreadsheet to Ms. Clanton before conducting your trials. |
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Test the three variables with your pendulum. For each of the three variables tested, conduct at least 10 trials. Record the information you gather into the data table you created in Google Docs.
Hint: Be very careful when designing, building, and testing your pendulum; you should only test one variable AT A TIME.
Hint: Be very careful when designing, building, and testing your pendulum; you should only test one variable AT A TIME.