Kyle Woodruff
Investigating Harmonic Motion
ABSTRACT
The Harmonic Motion investigation is a fun way to learn more about harmonic motion and pendulums. This investigation allows people to experiment with what variables affect how fast a pendulum swings (called the period of a pendulum). After the correct variable is identified, the investigator has to create a pendulum which has a specific period. Finally, the investigator has to write a formal business letter to an imaginary clock maker and state his/her recommendations for designing a pendulum which will fit the clock maker’s needs.
INTRODUCTION
The question asked in this investigation is “What independent variable has the most effect on the period of a pendulum?”
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Investigators measured the length, mass and amplitude of a pendulum to determine which of these independent variables had the most effect on the period of the pendulum.
Using line graphs to identify correlations, investigators determined which variable had an effect on the period of a pendulum. Armed with this information, investigators went back into the lab to try to determine the exact specifications of the pendulum needed to give the clock maker a period of 1.5 seconds which was the time required to make his clock work perfectly.
RESULTS
We discovered that the only independent variable which affects the period of the pendulum is the length of the pendulum. Mass did not show a positive correlation and amplitude did not show a positive correlation.
TABLES AND GRAPHS
DISCUSSION
This is a fun and interesting way to learn about harmonic motion. In this activity, I learned that the time for one swing is called a period. I learned that the period of a pendulum is due to one independent variable, the length. I learned that it is very easy to determine the exact length of a pendulum to fit a specific period. I enjoyed this project because it was set up as a real project.
REFERENCES
Mr. Torres Mrs.Schludecker Mrs.Lathrop
Mr. Preda
Investigating Harmonic Motion
ABSTRACT
The Harmonic Motion investigation is a fun way to learn more about harmonic motion and pendulums. This investigation allows people to experiment with what variables affect how fast a pendulum swings (called the period of a pendulum). After the correct variable is identified, the investigator has to create a pendulum which has a specific period. Finally, the investigator has to write a formal business letter to an imaginary clock maker and state his/her recommendations for designing a pendulum which will fit the clock maker’s needs.
INTRODUCTION
The question asked in this investigation is “What independent variable has the most effect on the period of a pendulum?”
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Investigators measured the length, mass and amplitude of a pendulum to determine which of these independent variables had the most effect on the period of the pendulum.
Using line graphs to identify correlations, investigators determined which variable had an effect on the period of a pendulum. Armed with this information, investigators went back into the lab to try to determine the exact specifications of the pendulum needed to give the clock maker a period of 1.5 seconds which was the time required to make his clock work perfectly.
RESULTS
We discovered that the only independent variable which affects the period of the pendulum is the length of the pendulum. Mass did not show a positive correlation and amplitude did not show a positive correlation.
TABLES AND GRAPHS
DISCUSSION
This is a fun and interesting way to learn about harmonic motion. In this activity, I learned that the time for one swing is called a period. I learned that the period of a pendulum is due to one independent variable, the length. I learned that it is very easy to determine the exact length of a pendulum to fit a specific period. I enjoyed this project because it was set up as a real project.
REFERENCES
Mr. Torres Mrs.Schludecker Mrs.Lathrop
Mr. Preda