Date Approved
2018
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department or School
Physics and Astronomy
Committee Member
Ernest Behringer, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Marshall Thomsen, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Dave Pawlowski, Ph.D.
Abstract
I present a new, low-cost approach to observing driven resonance with simple and physical pendula. I mount a pendulum on a dynamics cart that is made to oscillate along a horizontal line by a stepper motor and micro-controller. The pendulum pivot therefore has a position that varies sinusoidally with time with a constant, adjustable frequency. I designed and constructed the experiment to be easily implemented into any physics lab. I tested the apparatus and observed driven resonance for both types of pendula. All of the measured resonant frequencies I determined using the apparatus had percent uncertainties under 4% and all of the predicted resonant frequencies of the pendula fell within the experimental frequency uncertainty ranges. None of the leading vendors of apparatus for instructional physics labs have pendulum attachments for dynamics carts, making this a new experimental approach for undergraduate or graduate physics students to observe a driven resonator. The cost of all the equipment, excluding dynamics carts and tracks, under $200.
Recommended Citation
Pacheco, R. M., "Mechanically driven pendula for instructional laboratories" (2018). Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. 931.
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/931