Activity

Pendulums – collecting and using data

In this investigation, students measure the period of pendulums of varying lengths, plot the data on a graph and use the graph to estimate the period of two new pendulums – one with a length between two of their collected data points and one from a much longer pendulum.

PHYS_ACT_Pendulums-collecting and using data_estimating_period_o

Pendulums and data collection

Use simple equipment to collect data, plot the data on a graph and use the graph to make predictions.

Rights: University of Waikato Te Whare Wananga o Waikato

By the end of this activity, students should be able to:

  • collect and interpret data

  • construct a graph from collected data

  • use a graph to interpolate between two data points

  • use a graph to extrapolate a value beyond measured data points.

This investigation is related to Investigating pendulums – what matters?, which investigates the variables in a pendulum system and uses similar equipment.

Download the Word file (see link below).

Published: 7 December 2018