(a)
You are provided with a retort stand, clamp and boss head, a pendulum bob, a piece of thread, a stop watch and other necessary materials.
(i) Set up the apparatus as illustrated in the diagram above.
(ii) Measure and record the distance h = 130 cm from the centre of the bob to the point of suspension of the pendulum.
(iii) Displace the pendulum through a small angle and release.
Allow the pendulum to oscillate freely.
(iv) Determine the time, t for 20 complete oscillations.
(v) Also determine the period, T of the oscillations.
(vi) Evaluate T2 and L = h – 30.
(vii) Repeat the procedure for four other values of h = 110 cm, 90 cm, 70 cm and 50 cm respectively.
(viii) Tabulate your readings.
(ix) Plot a graph with T2 on the vertical axis and L on the horizontal axis, starting both axes from the origin (0, 0)
(x) Determine the slope, s, of the graph and intercept, e, on the vertical axis.
(xi) Evaluate:
(α) k1 = 4π2
s
(b) k2 = [Take π = 3.14]
(xii) State two precautions taken to obtain accurate results.
(b)(i) What is meant by the period of oscillation of an oscillating body?
(ii) Explain acceleration of free fall due to gravity.