Physics Laboratory Experiments
Physics Laboratory Experiments
8th Edition
ISBN: 9781285738567
Author: Jerry D. Wilson, Cecilia A. Hernández-Hall
Publisher: Cengage Learning
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Book Icon
Chapter 4, Problem 1EP

Scientists use models and theories to describe physical phenomena. When a new model is developed, it must be tested to find out if it is an accurate representation. No theory or model of nature is valid unless its predictions are in agreement with experimental results. The laboratory provides an environment where extraneous factors can be minimized and specific predictions can be tested. The process of making, testing, and refining models is usually called the scientific method (see Experiment 1).

An example of this method will be demonstrated in this experiment for a simple pendulum. A “simple” pendulum is one in which a small but substantial mass is suspended on a relatively light string, like the one pictured in Fig. 4.1. If one were to observe the motion of the mass swinging back and forth, which of the following statements do you think would be the most accurate? (It is understood that the motion takes place in a single plane.)

The time for the mass to swing back and forth (from point A to B, and back to A in Fig. 4.1.)

  1. (a) changes randomly from one swing to the next.
  2. (b) gets consistently bigger from one swing to the next.
  3. (c) gets consistently smaller from one swing to the next.
  4. (d) stays about the same from one swing to the next.

(Circle your choice)

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark
To determine

The most accurate statement regarding the motion of a simple pendulum.

Answer to Problem 1EP

Option (d) The time for the mass to swing back and forth stays about the same from one swing to the next.

Explanation of Solution

The time for the mass of the simple pendulum to swing back and forth is termed as the period of oscillation. The period of oscillation of the pendulum depends only on the length of the pendulum and it can be obtained from the relation,

  T=2πLg

Here, T is the period, L is the length of the pendulum, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

For a pendulum of fixed length, the period of oscillation remains the same for all oscillations, unless the pendulum is subjected to considerable friction or air resistance.

Conclusion:

Since the time for the mass of the pendulum to swing back and forth stays about the same from one swing to the next, option (d) is correct.

The period of the simple pendulum does not change randomly from one swing to the next. Thus, option (a) is incorrect.

The period of the simple pendulum does not get consistently bigger from one swing to the next. Thus, option (b) is incorrect.

The period of the simple pendulum does not get consistently smaller from one swing to the next. Thus, option (c) is incorrect.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
The measurement error is defined as AX=X-Xo.where Xo is the true value of a physical quantity. X is the measured value of the physical quantity, AX is also known as "absolute error" What is the correct understanding to absolute error? Select one: O a An absolute error indicates the absolute value of the error. Ob Absolute error is the difference between the measured value and the true value. O e Absolute error indicates that the error is always positive. Od. Absolute eror indicates that the magnitude of an error is certain.
Scientists reporting their results usually specify a range of values that they expect this 'true value' to fall within. Write the equation that shows the relationship of the factors
The radius of a sphere is known to be  r = 6.27 ± 0.06 cm.  The volume of a sphere is given by  (4/3)?r3.  Find the absolute uncertainty and the percent uncertainty in the volume of the sphere. absolute uncertainty       cm3 percent uncertainty
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Physics
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
Physics
ISBN:9781133104261
Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:9781938168000
Author:Paul Peter Urone, Roger Hinrichs
Publisher:OpenStax College
Math Antics - Scientific Notation; Author: mathantics;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXkewQ7WEdI;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY
Physics CH 0: General Introduction (14 of 20) How to Estimate Number of Teachers in US; Author: Michel van Biezen;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBv_JLUzM-M;License: Standard Youtube License