Mg-2 Kater's Reversible Pendulum

Aim

To determine "g" using the reversible pendulum method.

Apparatus

  • Kater's pendulum
  • Stopwatch

Reversible Pendulum 1 Reversible Pendulum 2 Kater's Reversible Pendulum Diagram

Kater's Pendulum and Diagram.

Description

Kater's reversible pendulum consists of a rod provided with two knife edges facing inward on opposite sides of the centre of mass. The bobs are adjustable in position. These positions are adjusted until the periods are the same when the pendulum is suspended from either knife edge.

When this is the case

g=4π²/T²(h1+h2)

where (h1+h2) is the distance between the knife edges.