Physics in the Math CurriculumFriday, July 13As a class we gathered original data on period vs. length of a simple pendulum. This yielded the textbook L^1/2 relationship. By seeking a dimensionally consistent general equation, and then inserting our experimental values into it, it was clear the period was proportional to sqr(L/g), with a proportionality constant of 2pi!! Participants then broke into pairs and, from a variety of lab exercises, selected activities that would be useful in their own classes. An initial check indicated that these efforts yielded promising data. We will continue with this activity in week 2. |