I-4 Draft Report
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East Carolina University *
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Dec 6, 2023
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docx
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Uploaded by crhilderhoff
Shelton Hankins
PHYS 1251-601
Section 1:
The guiding question for this investigation was “What is the nut position for which the physical
pendulum small- angle period is minimum?”. This will be solved by finding the period of
oscillation, moment of inertia, and the center of mass. Period is described as the time it takes for
a complete oscillation and there is the frequency which is the number of oscillations in a time
interval. In this investigation a physical pendulum will be dealt with in which the mass is
distributed rather than being concentrated. For a physical pendulum there is an additional factor
being the moment of inertia of the pendulum about the axis of rotation. The moment of inertia of
an object depends on the object’s mass as well as the distribution of the mass around the axis.
Moving the mass farther away from the axis increases the moment of inertia and vice versa. This
observation is consistent with multiple objects as you move the mass away from the pivot point
the moment of inertia will increase and vice versa.
Section 2:
The investigation consists of there being 5 different nut positions (20 in, 18 in, 16 in, 14 in, 12
in) in which were converted to centimeters (50.8 cm, 45.72 cm, 40.64 cm, 35.56 cm, 30.48 cm).
Each nut position was tested in a total of 3 trials for the period and frequency. The time and
oscillations were recorded and calculated to find the period of each nut position. A graph will
then be constructed with the periods and positions in which the position that displays the
minimum period will be the solution to the guiding question. To reduce error, we will ensure that
all measurements, including the length of the pendulum, amplitude, and distances are made with
precision. We will maintain a consistent amplitude for each trial. We will also perform the
experiment in an environment with minimal air currents and temperature fluctuations. By
implementing these, we can minimize errors and enhance the reliability of the experimental
results when determining the position for which the period of the physical pendulum is
minimum.
Section 3:
In the case of our investigation the nut position in which the small angle period is minimum at
30.48 cm (12 inches) which is the measure of the distance from the middle standard nut to the
pendulum bob. The measurement of D was 1.14±0.01 at 30.48 cm which was the smallest
measurement (minimum). Thus, a valid conclusion can be as the measurement between the eye
nut and the standard nuts decreases the measurement D will minimize. This statement is
consistent with the background information provided in the lab manual. The main limitation with
the conclusion is found within the small angle in which it could be eliminated with the precision
of your values of the angle as well as the positions and periods collected.
Table 1:
Shelton Hankins
PHYS 1251-601
Description: The positions of the nuts with the values used to find the period of the data which is
the time divided by the total number of oscillations.
Table 2:
Description: The positions and periods for each trial as well as the average and the standard
deviation.
Table 3:
Description: The final data which was used to conclude that the nut position at 30.48 cm was the
position in which the period is minimized.
Figure 1:
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