eLP FILE: 30001.elp Text FILE: 30001.doc
Physics I Honors - Periodic and Simple Harmonic Motion
Pendulum
TIME FRAME: Double lab period and one post lab period
GRADE: 11,12
AUTHOR: schmip@monroe.k12.ct.us
1. What is a simple pendulum. What are its uses?
2. How can the motion of a simple pendulum be described? Qualitative and Quantitative.
3. What factor(s) affect the period of oscillation of a simple pendulum?
4. Which factor(s) do not affect the period of oscillation of a simple pendulum?
5. How can experimental and graphical methods be used to derive the mathematical relationship for the period of a simple pendulum?
6. What are the various uses of the simple pendulum, and how do these uses support our understanding/information from this activity?
Definition of a simple pendulum, including restrictions/limits related to angle of displacement.
Mathematical model equation for periodic motion and simple harmonic motion related to equation learned in math/precalc class.
Definitions related to the description of waves: Amplitude, Period, Frequency,
At the conclusion of this class/lab activity students will be able to:
- define simple pendulum.
- define, describe, recognize from a graph and calculate the terms related to the mathematical description of periodic and simple harmonic motion. Period, frequency, amplitude, displacement.
- deduce and develop hypotheses related to the factors which affect the period of oscillation of a simple pendulum.
- manipulate laboratory equipment to gather data to test student hypotheses related to period of oscillation of a simple pendulum.
- apply mathematical and graphical manipulation of laboratory data (using calculators, graphical analysis software, and other means) and analyze laboratory data.
- formulate specific conclusions as to what factor(s) affect or do not affect the period of oscillation of a simple pendulum, and support conclusions with specific laboratory data.
- use laboratory data and mathematical/graphical techniques to develop mathematical relationship/equation for the period of oscillation of a pendulum.
- explain the consistency of theoretical equation for period of oscillation of a simple pendulum as related to previously studied material (Newton's laws of motion, gravity).
- solve problems related the pendulum motion using theoretical equation.
- recognize and deduce applications of pendulum in everyday life.
Prelab
1. Introduce periodic and simple harmonic motion using demonstrations of pendulum, mass on spring, and mass on end of string. Define and discuss periodic and simple harmonic motion. Compare and constrast examples.
2. Define and discuss terms associaed with periodic and simple harmonic motion including; period, frequency, amplitude and displacment.. Demonstrate these terms using three examples discussed above.
3. Introduce student activity/objective for lab: Determine what factor(s) affect the period of oscillation of a simple pendulum.
4. Clarify student objective by answering (limited) student questions.
5. Point out location of suggested materials for this activity. Other materials available by request.
6. Assign student groups.
Lab:
1. Students will formulate groups and begin developing hypotheses.
2. Students will assign group tasks and begin constructing aparatus for testing hypotheses.
3. Students will gather data, analyze data and formulate conclusions related to objective. Use of graphical software may be included.
4. Students will prepare a laboratory report using Physics Lab assessment list to be submitted tomorrow.
Postlab:
1. Teacher will lead class is a discussion of the conclusions of the lab activity. Various groups will report conclusions and supoorted data. Class will come to an agreement related to objective.
2. Students and teacher will derive mathematical equaiton from class conclusions. Teacher will provide theoretical equation and class will discuss theoretical and experimental equations.
3. Students will solve various problems related to simple harmonic motion and the simple pendulum.
4. Students will brainsorm and discuss the uses/applications of the simple pendulum in real life.
Lesson designed for Honors level Physics I student. Non Honors section would include similar problems perhaps with less involved mathematics.
Formal Lab report (see associated assessment list for Physics formal lab reports).
Completion of problems in class.
Homework problems.
Unit test.
Textbook (Wilson/Buffa).
Physics CD - ROM for Serway/Faughn Text
Interactive Physics software on network (software folder)
Modifications to follow: