Does it matter whether you measure the length of the pendulum to the center of m

Question

Does it matter whether you measure the length of the pendulum to the center of mass of the ball or to the bottom of the ball in part D? Explain your answer. (Harmonic Oscillation Post-Lab question 6) Does it matter whether you measure the length of the pendulum to the center of mass of the ball or to the bottom of the ball in part D? Explain your answer. (Harmonic Oscillation Post-Lab question 6) Does it matter whether you measure the length of the pendulum to the center of mass of the ball or to the bottom of the ball in part D? Explain your answer. (Harmonic Oscillation Post-Lab question 6) Does it matter whether you measure the length of the pendulum to the center of mass of the ball or to the bottom of the ball in part D? Explain your answer. (Harmonic Oscillation Post-Lab question 6)

Explanation / Answer

Yes it matters unless the bob of the pendulum is pretty small as compared to the length. In that case the variation will be almost negligible.

The time period of the pendulum is directly proportional to the square root of the length. This lenght must be measured from the pivot point to the center of mass of the bob. If you measure it to the bottom of the mass, you will get a time period greater than the actual value and it will result in an error.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse D
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.