1. Analyzing Period of Simple Pendulum
Teofilus Gunawan
Forestview High School; Gastonia, NC
Summer Ventures in Science and Math 2008
Visual and Image Processing
Dr. Rahman Tashakkori and Mr. Jere Miles
Appalachian State University, Boone, NC; July 26, 2008

2. Introduction Simple pendulum Period of a pendulum
Conservation of energy
PE = KE

3. Background Zhang Heng (Han Dynasty) Galileo Galilei (1564-1642)
Isochronism
Jean Richer (1671)
Gravity ‘s role in pendulum

4. Applications of pendulum
Pendulum clock
Metronome

5. Dependent and independent variables
Three factors that could change a pendulum’s period are:
Amplitude of pendulum swing
Length of the string or attachment
Mass of the bob

6. Standard physics equation
T = period in seconds
L = length of pendulum in meters
G = acceleration of gravity

7. The experiment Pendulum Photogate (laser gate) Computer interface
Meter stick
Protractor
Measuring the period using Vernier device
Taking video using Logitech cam recorder

8. Pendulum setup

9. Result - amplitude variation

10. Result – length variation

11. Result – mass variation

12. Logitech before

13. Logitech after

14. Conclusion Results came relatively close to the standard model.
Air resistance played a role in slowing down the pendulum.
Further reasearch

15. Acknowledgements Vernier phsysics Dr. Rahman Tashakkori Mr. Jere Miles
Tushar Bulsara
Summer Ventures group