Phy 121
Your 'pearl pendulum' report has been received. Scroll down through the document to see any comments I might have inserted, and my final comment at the end.
** #$&* Your general comment, if any: **
I don't think I submitted this earlier. If I did, please disregard this.
** #$&* Your description of the rhythm of the pendulum when tilted 'back' **
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How many intervals, as the word was described above, occur between the first 'hit' and the second 'hit'? Explain how your description differs from that of the motion between release and the first 'hit'.
It takes two intervals. The first is from equilibrium to the extreme position (1) and then from the extreme position back to equilibrium.
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How many intervals occur between release and the second 'hit', and how does this differ from the motion between the second 'hit' and the fourth 'hit'?
It takes 3 intervals from release to the second hit. Between the second and fourth hit, the pendulum completes 4 intervals.
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How many intervals occur between the second 'hit' and the fourth 'hit', and how does this differ from a similar description of the motion between the fourth 'hit' and the sixth 'hit'?
There are 4 intervals between the second hit and fourth hit. Between the fourth hit and the sixth hit there are 4 intervals. There is no change between the intervals.
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Why would we expect that the time interval between release to 2d 'hit' should be shorter than the subsequent timed intervals (2d to 4th, 4th to 6th, etc.)?
We would expect the time interval between release to the second hit to be shorter than the 2nd-4th and 4th-6th time intervals because the pendulum has less distance to travel. Only one interval is needed to make the first hit because it starts at the extreme. When the pendulum goes from the second to forth hits, it starts at the equilibrium position, must go to the extreme and then back to equilibrium. So it takes longer to complete the following cycles.
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Would we expect additional subsequent time intervals to increase, decrease or stay the same?
Additional time intervals would remain the same.
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What evidence does this experiment provide for or against the hypothesis that the length of a pendulum's swing depends only on its length, and is independent of how far it actually swings?
This experiment would provide evidence against the hypothesis that the length of a pendulum’s swing depends only on the length. I think that other factors go into play. The pendulum does not consistently extend as far as its length consistently when completing cycles or intervals. Evidence of this exists from our recorded time trials.
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Your instructor is trying to gauge the typical time spent by students on these experiments. Please answer the following question as accurately as you can, understanding that your answer will be used only for the stated purpose and has no bearing on your grades:
• Approximately how long did it take you to complete this experiment?
2 hours
&#Very good work. Let me know if you have questions. &#