Evaluating a torsional pendulum experiment 2 essay

The torsion constant dictates the torque produced, and since angular displacement is the same for every experiment, force is constant. So, the larger the mass, the lower the acceleration, resulting in longer cycle times. The torsional constant calculated from graphing the relation between T^2 and 4Pi^2 I is 1.0*10-5m^4.

The torsion constant is determined from the line of best fit for numerous data points, not just one. One of the most frequently occurring sources of error in the lab is the approximation of measurements and human error. This random error occurs every time a cycle is measured, every time a length is measured, and every time a mass is measured.

A pendulum is a weight suspended from a pivot so that it can swing freely. When a pendulum is displaced sideways from its resting equilibrium position, it is subject to a restoring force due to gravity that will bring it back to its equilibrium position. A torsional pendulum is the same, but it is twisted which results in a restoring torque.

Using a constant moment of inertia, a changing length of string, and a consistent displacement of 2Pi, this is the data that was collected regarding the changing of the length of the string and how it affects the period. The value of the moment of inertia we used is 2.66510-5, consisting of a 9.8 cm long cylinder of mass 33.3g.