Abstract

A pendulum is an object that is attached to a pivot point so it can swing freely. This object is
subject to a restoring force that will accelerate it toward an equilibrium position. When the
pendulum is displaced from its place of rest, the restoring force will cause the pendulum to oscillate
about the equilibrium position. Physical pendulum is small compared with the length of the cable.
When these approximations are not sufficient, one must take into account the way in which mass is
distributed in the cable and bob. This is called the physical pendulum, as opposed to the idealized
model of the simple pendulum. Significantly, the period of a physical pendulum does not depend on
its total mass either.
This experiment, physical pendulum is done to determine the mass moment of inertia by
oscillation at centre of gravity and at suspension point of the wooden pendulum.

The experiment was performed in the dynamic lab by using universal vibration apparatus. In this
experiment there are two suspension point that we use to hang wooden pendulum. And at each
point, the pendulum is oscillated.

By letting the pendulum to be oscillated for 10 cycles, the time is then taken. By this, we will get the
time needed for the pendulum to oscillate ten cycle released from the angle of 30 degrees.

In this experiment we can measure and calculate the length, wide, volume, and density of the
wooden pendulum.And from the data we are able to calculate the period of oscillation, mass
moment of inertia at centre of gravity and mass moment of inertia at suspension point. We can
conclude that the time and period for each point of suspension is about the same. Different angle
does not affect the period of oscillation. The value of IG and IO between the two points of oscillation is
also tolerance
Procedure

To show how MMI can be determined by oscillation, the pendulum is allowed to oscillate about 2
different suspension points, O1 and O2. Then, the period of oscillation, T 1 and T2 are measured. By
using equations from the Mathematical and Physical Pendulum, the MMI (I G and Io) can be
determined.

Compared these values against those obtained from manual calculation.

Note:

g
1) Natural Frequency of Mathematical Pendulum, ω=
√ L

2) Period of oscillation of Mathematical Pendulum,

2π L
T=
ω
=2 π
√ g

3) Mass of Wooden Pendulum, m=600g

1. The length, thickness, and wide of the wooden pendulum were measured using a ruler.
2. The pendulum is then hanged at 15 0 onto the Universal Vibration System apparatus by inserting
the Vee support at point O 1. The time taken for the oscillation to complete 10 cycles is recorded
(T1).
3. An angle of 150 was fixed where the wooden pendulum was released to oscillate from
this angle.
4. The pendulum was allowed to oscillate about point O1.
5. Then, the period of oscillation, T1 was measured for three times.
6. The average of the period was calculated.
7. The process was repeated for different suspension point which was point O 2 and period
of oscillation; T2 was measured for three times.
8. The average of the three periods was calculated for each suspension point.
9. Equations from Mathematical and Physical Pendulum were used to determine the mass
moment of inertia (IG and Io).