COLLEGE OF ELECTRICAL AND

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, NUST

DEPARTMENT OF MECHATRONICS
ENGINEERING
DE-45
[SYNDICATE A]
APPLIED PHYSICS
[PHY-102]

LAB REPORT
Compound Pendulum: Determination of radius of gyration K and acceleration due
to gravity g.

SUBMITTED TO:
Dr. Asad Iqbal

SUBMITTED BY:
 Muhammad Saqlain (482581)
 Shahbaz Ghalib (476130)
 Ayan Ahmed Khan (455934)
 Muhammad Awais (482577)
 Haseeb Rauf
Table of Contents
Abstract:...........................................................................................................................................3
Compound Pendulum: Determination of radius of gyration K and acceleration due to gravity g. .4
Apparatus:....................................................................................................................................4
Theory:.........................................................................................................................................4
Compound Pendulum:.................................................................................................................4
Radius of Gyration:..................................................................................................................5
Experiment:......................................................................................................................................6
Procedure:....................................................................................................................................6
Ideal Graph:.................................................................................................................................6
Observation and Calculation:..........................................................................................................7
Measurements and Results:.........................................................................................................7
Graph:..............................................................................................................................................8
Conclusion:......................................................................................................................................8
Abstract:
We investigate the behavior of a compound pendulum, which consists of a rigid body with a
mass attached, swinging freely about a fixed axis. The experiment aims to determine two key
parameters:
1. Radius of Gyration (K): This parameter quantifies how mass is distributed relative to
the pivot point.
2. Acceleration due to Gravity ((g)): By measuring the pendulum’s period of oscillation,
we can calculate (g).
The experiment provides insights into rotational dynamics and gravitational acceleration.
Compound Pendulum: Determination of
radius of gyration K and acceleration due
to gravity g

In this experiment, we determine the radius of gyration and acceleration due to gravity g.

Apparatus:
1. Compound Pendulum
A uniform rod suspended at different locations along its length.

Theory:
Compound Pendulum:
Any extended object mounted on a horizontal axis so as to oscillate under the force of gravity is
a compound pendulum.
The time period of a compound pendulum is given by:

T =2 π
√ I
Mgh
Where,
I is the rotational inertia of pendulum about the axis of suspension. M is the pendulum mass and
h is the distance between the suspension point and the centre of mass. Using the parallel axis
theorem:
2
I =I g + M h

Ig is the rotational inertia of body about its centre of mass and it is given by:
2
I g=M K

Substituting values we get:

I =M (h ¿ ¿ 2+ K )¿
2

Where K is the radius of gyration, and h is the displacement of parallel axis of rotation with
respect to the axis passing through centre of mass of the object.
Substituting value of I:

T =2 π
√
h2 + K 2
Mgh
The time period of a simple pendulum is given by:

T =2 π
√ L
g
The period of a compound pendulum equals the period of a simple pendulum of a length:
2 2
h +K
L=
h

This equation can be solved to find L and K:

L=h1+ h2

K= √ h 1 h2

Radius of Gyration:
The radius of gyration is a concept used in physics and engineering to describe the distribution
of the components of an object around an axis. It is defined as the imaginary distance from the
centroid (or axis of rotation) at which the area of cross-section is imagined to be concentrated to
obtain the same moment of inertia. It is denoted by the symbol 'k’.
Experiment:
Procedure:
1. First hang the pendulum horizontally and move it until it reaches equilibrium so you can
find the centre of mass and mark it.
2. Secondly hang it vertically inserting the tip the knife in the first hole from the centre of
mass. Then set it oscillating through a small angle.
3. Measure the time needed for 10 oscillations and corresponding h.
4. Repeat step 2 and 3 for the other holes.
5. Record your measurements in a table.

Ideal Graph:
Observation and Calculation:
Measurements and Results:

d/m T10/s T/s

5 25.84 2.584

10 20.89 2.089
15 17.62 1.762

20 15.93 1.593
25 15.77 1.577
30 16.09 1.609

35 16.32 1.632
40 16.49 1.649
45 16.86 1.686
Graph:

Conclusion:
The experiment conducted with a compound pendulum successfully determined the radius of
gyration and acceleration due to gravity. The data collected from the pendulum’s oscillation at
different suspension points, as depicted in the provided images, aligns well with theoretical
predictions. This experiment not only validates the formulas used for these calculations but also
enhances our understanding of rotational dynamics and gravitational acceleration. It underscores
the practical utility of compound pendulums in experimental physics and highlights the
importance of careful measurement and data analysis.