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[Phys-L] Re: measuring the period of a pendulum



I agree with Bob that one does want to measure many periods in this experiment. Secondly, I think
it is easiest to chose the v = 0 point. One could start the pendulum swinging, begin the stop
watch at one of the two v = 0 points, count out 50 periods, and stop the stop watch at the end of
the 50th period. Then, divide the total time by the number of periods to get the average period.

I would think that the number of cycles timed is more important. The
percentage error would then be the timing error divided by (N cycles times
the period).

Bob at PC

-----Original Message-----
From: Forum for Physics Educators [mailto:PHYS-L@list1.ucc.nau.edu] On
Behalf Of Larry Smith
Sent: Monday, November 21, 2005 11:08 AM
To: PHYS-L@LISTS.NAU.EDU
Subject: measuring the period of a pendulum

In an introductory physics laboratory, is it better for students, when
measuring the period of a simple pendulum, to start and stop the stopwatch
when the bob is at the lowest point (max. speed) or at an end point (speed
= 0)?

Larry

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