Answer the following questions which relate to the design of experiments involving…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics
Problem
Answer the following questions which relate to the design of experiments involving oscillatory systems.
(i) Define the natural frequency of an oscillating system.
(ii) What is meant by resonance? State the condition for resonance to occur in a forced oscillator.
(iii) In an experiment to measure the acceleration due to gravity with a simple pendulum, explain why the angular displacement of the bob should be kept small and why the pendulum should be protected from external periodic disturbances.
(iv) Discuss qualitatively how air resistance (damping) can affect both the amplitude and the observed time period of the pendulum, and hence the accuracy of the calculated value of g. Suggest one practical way to reduce this source of error.