February 2010 By Ryan H. and David R. Purpose of Experiment The purpose of this experiment was to collect data to determine the variable(s) that affect timed motion of a pendulum. Hypothesis We expected that the data we collected from our experiment would show that any major fluctuation in a timed period of the pendulum is due to a change in the length of the string suspending the weight. Set-Up This is a picture of the set-up that we used with labeled parts and materials.  Procedure This is the procedure that we took in order to obtain our data and information in our lab.
Data These graphs depict all of the data for the three factors (mass, length, and angle) that we collected from the experiment with the actual data table directly above their respective graphs.       Analysis On the length graph, the points curve upwards as the length of the string increased. Obviously, the longer the string is, the longer the period will last. This shows that the length of the string is the largest contributing factor in this experiment when compared to the other two variables. From gathering our data, I conclude that because the string is longer, the bob is required to travel farther which takes more time. On the angle graph, the difference in angle was minimal. Angle did not prove to be a very contributing factor in this situation but we think that if the angle had been much larger, there would have been a bigger difference in data. Hypothetically, the larger the angle is, the more time the bob would have had to take to go back and forth. The period must have been larger if the angle is significantly bigger. It is proven that mass did not prove to be a very large contributing variable in this situation. As you can see, as the mass differed, the average period did not differ very much. This means that regardless the amount of mass, the period will always stay the same as long as the other variables stay the same as well. After collecting data and comparing the data, we concluded that the length of the string proved to be the largest contributing factor in our experiment. Experimental Error
Summary Our hypothesis was that the difference in the length of the string would be the primary variable that would change the outcome of our data. Our hypothesis was correct because our data showed that the length of the string proved to cause the biggest change in the period. As the length of the string increased, the amount of time in each period increased. The angle was the next biggest factor that changed the data which was followed by the amount of mass in our bob. Our experiment was successful because our final results confirmed our initial hypothesis which was that the length of the string would create the largest impact on the difference in our data. |
This is an impressive lab report. The data is clear and everything is neat and thorough. The hypothesis could be reworded into a more direct sentence. The analysis is strong, it clearly states the reasons for your data. Overall, the hypothesis is proven strongly and the lab is convincing.
Your setup and the layout of your data was very clear and easy to understand. Your analysis was a little repetitive, but the site looks good and you guys seem to be one of the few groups who actually had a correct hypothesis! good job!
-Mara V. =)
Your photo is really outstanding with the added arrows and labels. Your analysis is really straight forward and coincide smoothly with your graphs and data tables. In your experimental error, you used the word 'distortion' a lot making it seem repetitive. I like your themes and colors which really make your lab stand out. Great work and thinking all throughout your lab and the time you took really shows in the writing.
I really like how you added arrows and descriptions in your picture; it made it very clear as to what was going on. I also liked how in the Experimental Error section, you stated it off with a list which made it short and easy to understand. I am impressed that your hypothesis was correct, many other groups' were not. The layout/format of the page is very clean and organized; I especially like the name of the website! Amazing job!
This well thought out website has a nice theme, great graphs, and a great picture. The way your picture is labeled really allows us as viewers to see the set up of the experiment. I think though, that your graphs could be a little bigger and your tables a little smaller because graphs are easier to read than data. Overall, your website is very good and you did a great job!
**note: I commented on this website last night, but somehow or another, my comment got deleted, I suppose. This is what I said:*
The picture of the setup of the pendulum was great, because everything was neatly labeled and you could easily see what you meant by clamps and pendulum stands. However, the summary gets a little repetitive in saying that your hypothesis was right. Overall, though, your site is colorful and easy to follow. Great job!
Sarah G
This is a fantastic lab. At first glance the lab page is warm and inviting and the picture is truly fantastic. I found most of your paragraphs to be very knowledgeable while being concise. The only issue i had with the report was that your hypothesis could be worded a little better. All in all a fantastic lab.
This is one of the best labs that i have read. The layout is excellent and I love the title. The only thing that you may want to look at is the size of your graphs vs. the size of your tables, but otherwise this is a great lab.