Pendulum Clock


Find the effect of length, mass, and angle on the period of a pendulum. The pendulum is attached to a clock that can be adjusted to tell time accurately. The clock can be located on Earth or Jupiter to determine the effect of gravity.

Screenshot of Pendulum Clock Gizmo

LESSON MATERIALS:

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Discover the properties of a pendulum.
  • Measure the period of a pendulum.
  • Design controlled experiments to determine the effect of length, mass, starting angle, and gravity on the period of a pendulum.
  • Apply knowledge to create a pendulum clock that will tell time accurately.

VOCABULARY:

  • bob, calibrate, controlled experiment, gravity, mass, pendulum, period, variable

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