Pendulums with Arc Length and TrigonometryGoal:
Students will analyze the results of an experiment and connect it to arc length and cosine curves. Using the information from the experiment, students will apply their knowledge about arc length and sine curves to other math problems. Objectives: Students will describe the different cases in the experiment based on the variables. Students will predict the outcomes of the experiment and justify their conclusions. Students will analyze and graph their results of the experiment. Students will generalize their findings and apply them to other situations. |
If you plan to perform this experiment in a classroom, be sure to use weights that will be safe for students to use and will not come loose when in use. Be sure to use a semi-permanent structure to hold the string up instead of a student holding it to reduce the variables in the data. If available, record the times with technology to be more exact.
This activity was adapted from Fizzics Education.