Oscillation
One complete to-and-fro motion (A->B->C->B->A) or (B->C->B->A->B)
Period
Time taken for one complete oscillation
Classic Pendulum Questions
1a. Describe an experiment to show how the period of a pendulum can be determined.
- The simple pendulum is made to oscillate at a small angle.
- When the oscillation is steady, the time taken for 20 oscillations is measured using a stopwatch.
- The measurement is repeated and the average is calculated.
- The period of the pendulum is given by average time for 20 oscillations divided by 20.
1b. State the precautions you would take for the experiment.
- Ensure that the oscillation is steady before starting to time.
- Ensure that the angular displacement of the bob is less than 10 degrees.