In full swing (A)

How is the period of a pendulum affected by the angle from which the pendulum is released?

Don't stand too close to the pendulum when the mass is being released.

PLAN

Set up the pendulum.  ( A pendulum is any mass which swings back and forth on a string or chain.)

Attach a mass to the bottom of the string.

Pull the pendulum back, mark how far, and then release it.

Time 5 complete swings (back and forth is ONE complete swing).  The time taken for a complete swing is called the period of the pendulum.  You can work out the period by dividing your recorded time by 5.

Without changing the mass or the length of the string, pull the pendulum back to a new position, mark how far, then release it and time 5 swings (periods).

Repeat several times with different starting positions.

I WILL NEED

Length of string.

A fixed point to support the pendulum (e.g.: a shelf).

A weight.

A watch with a second hand.

Pencil and paper.

I MAY NEED

A stopwatch would be useful (but not essential).

FAIR TEST

How will you measure how far back you pull the mass?

PREDICTION

What do you think might happen?

When you pull the mass farther back, will it have a longer or shorter period?

Why do you think so?

Does this connect to any science you have done or heard about previously?

PRACTICAL ACTIVITY

Where did you fix your pendulum?

Why did you choose this position?

What mass did you choose?

Any reason for this?

How did you mark the starting positions?

Did you encounter any problems?

What did you do to overcome these?

COLLECT

DATA

How will you make sure that your timing is accurate?

ANALYSE

DATA

You may find it easier to analyse your data if you draw a chart or a graph.

PRESENT

FINDINGS

What is the best way to show what you did?

Would a diagram make things clearer?

Could you video part of the investigation?

What is the best way to show your data and explain your findings?

EVALUATE

INVESTIGATION

Were you pleased with this investigation?  If not, which part of it could have been conducted differently?

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Pendulum

Changing angle

Moon pendulum