STPM Physics Experiment 9 is an experiment that focuses on the measurement of the acceleration due to gravity using a simple pendulum. A simple pendulum is a weight suspended from a fixed pivot point by a string or wire. When the weight, or bob, is displaced from its equilibrium position and released, it will swing back and forth in a periodic motion. The time it takes for the bob to complete one oscillation is known as the period, and the number of oscillations completed in a given time is known as the frequency.
In this experiment, the acceleration due to gravity is calculated by measuring the period of a simple pendulum as a function of the length of the string. The acceleration due to gravity is given by the formula:
a = 4π^2L/T^2
where a is the acceleration due to gravity, L is the length of the string, and T is the period of the pendulum.
To perform the experiment, a simple pendulum is set up using a metal bob and a string of known length. The bob is displaced from its equilibrium position and released, and the time it takes for the bob to complete one oscillation is measured using a stopwatch. This process is repeated several times to obtain an average period for the pendulum. The length of the string is then varied, and the period is measured for each length.
The results of the experiment are plotted on a graph with the length of the string on the x-axis and the period on the y-axis. The slope of the graph is equal to the acceleration due to gravity. By comparing the calculated value of the acceleration due to gravity with the accepted value, the accuracy of the experiment can be determined.
In conclusion, STPM Physics Experiment 9 is a simple and effective way to measure the acceleration due to gravity using a simple pendulum. By carefully measuring the period of the pendulum as a function of the length of the string, the acceleration due to gravity can be calculated and compared to the accepted value. This experiment is a valuable learning tool for students interested in understanding the fundamental laws of physics.
