pendulum swing

By: Sophie Dunn

PENDULUM SWING

PROBLEM

Does the weight of a pendulum affect the number of swings it completes in 2 minutes?

HYPOTHESIS

If the weight is heavier then it will complete more swings in 2 minutes

MATERIALS

8.8 kg weight

4.4 kg weight

Chalk

Rope(154 inches)

Measuring tool/extendable ruler

Timer(on iPod)

Counter

MATERIALS CONT.

PROCEDURE

1. Gather materials

2. Hang rope from tree

3. Put 4.4 kg weight on rope

4. Pull back to swing line and release

5. Count number of swings in 2 minutes

6. Record data and repeat two more times (3 trials total)

7. Take off 4.4 kg weight and attach 8.8 kg weight

8. Follow steps 4 through 6

VARIABLES

CONSTANT VARIABLES- The 2 minute swing time, length of rope, and how far pulled back

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE- The 2 different weights

DEPENDENT VARIABLE- The number of swings

RESULTS

Trial Weight (kg) Swings

1 4.4 62

2 4.4 62

3 4.4 61

1 8.8 62

2 8.8 61

3 8.8 60

10s 1s

6 2,2,1,2,1,0

GRAPH

1 2 30

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Comparison of Pendulum Different Weights number of swings in 2 minutes on a 154 inch rope

4.4 kg Weight8.8 kg Weight

Trial Number

Num

ber o

f Sw

ings

in 2

Min

utes

CONCLUSION

Does the weight of a pendulum effect the number of swings it completes in 2 minutes? A weight with a greater mass requires more of a push from gravity to accelerate. So being big balances itself out. The weights fall/swing at the same rate because the acceleration due to gravity is the same for both. My hypothesis is wrong. I predicted that the bigger weight would swing more, but they complete about the same number of swings.

THE PENDULUM

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THE END

PENDULUMS!!