11th Grade Physics: Simple Pendulum & Inclined Plane
Explore fundamental physics concepts through interactive experiments. Determine acceleration due to gravity using a simple pendulum and study motion on an inclined plane.
Help & Instructions
â–¼- Simple Pendulum Experiment: Adjust pendulum length and measure time period to calculate 'g'
- Inclined Plane Experiment: Change the angle of inclination and observe motion parameters
- Use the data tables to record measurements and perform calculations
- Compare your calculated values with theoretical predictions
- Use the reset buttons to restart experiments
- Understand the relationship between pendulum length and time period
- Calculate acceleration due to gravity using pendulum data
- Analyze motion on an inclined plane using Newton's laws
- Determine acceleration components on an inclined plane
- Apply trigonometry to resolve forces on an incline
Experiment 1: Simple Pendulum - Determining 'g'
Adjust the pendulum length and measure the time period to calculate acceleration due to gravity.
Calculations:
Time Period Formula: T = 2π√(L/g)
Rearranged for g: g = 4π²L/T²
g = 4 × π² × 1.0 / (2.01)² = 9.80 m/s²
Experiment 2: Inclined Plane Motion
Adjust the angle of inclination and observe the motion of a block on the plane.
Force Analysis:
Component of gravity along incline: mg sin(θ)
Acceleration: a = g sin(θ)
a = 9.8 × sin(30°) = 4.90 m/s²
These experiments demonstrate fundamental principles of classical mechanics. The simple pendulum shows simple harmonic motion, while the inclined plane illustrates vector resolution of forces and kinematics.
Detailed Physics Explanations
The motion of a simple pendulum is an example of simple harmonic motion for small angles (<15°).
- Time Period: T = 2π√(L/g) where L is length and g is acceleration due to gravity
- The period is independent of the mass of the bob
- The period is approximately independent of amplitude for small angles
- By measuring T for different L values, we can calculate g = 4π²L/T²
Motion on an inclined plane demonstrates vector resolution and Newton's second law.
- Gravity force (mg) resolves into two components: mg sin(θ) parallel to the plane and mg cos(θ) perpendicular
- Acceleration down the plane: a = g sin(θ) (assuming no friction)
- Time to travel distance d: t = √(2d/a)
- Final velocity: v = √(2ad)
Understanding these concepts is essential for:
- Engineering: Designing structures, roller coasters, and transportation systems
- Geophysics: Measuring gravity variations to study Earth's structure
- Sports: Analyzing projectile motion and optimizing performance
- Safety: Designing road gradients and safety systems
