Question

What is the possible random error in calculating acceleration due to gravity using a simple pendulum?

Answer 1

Explanation:

5 The period of the pendulum (dividing by 10) is 1.30 ± 0.01 s. The error in a time measurement is the sum of the uncertainties in starting and stopping the watch. This error will be the same for measurements of one swing or ten swings. Half the range will be about 0.1 seconds in each case.

Answer 2

The error in time measurement refers to the uncertainties in starting and stopping the watch.

Explanation:  

• A possible random error is caused due to gravity. It is known as air resistance. This is consistent with our results since the accepted value of gravitational acceleration is9.8ms^{-2}is near the earth's surface.
• A simple pendulum contains various sources of errors. For example, human errors happen during the measurement of the period using a stopwatch.
• The reaction time of the observer plays a significant role in detecting the error. The error occurs while starting the stopwatch and also when we stop it.
• This error can be easily minimized by repeating the experiment. It can be done in a repeated manner.