Period of a Semicircle

Purpose

We had to calculate the period of a semicircle where the pivot is at the base and on its top point and compare it to our experimental value

Procedure

What we used:

• logger pro + photogate
• styrofoam cut out of a semicircle 

What we did:

1.  first we had to calculate what the theoretical value of the period would be for both cases
• we had to calculate for the center of mass for the semicircle first
2. then logger pro and the photo-gate were set up
3. the pivot is then placed at one of the locations (centered base or the top point) of the semicircle
4. the period is measured 

Data

This is the graph for the period of the semicirle

Data Analysis / Calculations 

The calculations for the center of mass of the semicircle in the y direction. The center of mass in the x direction is given by symmetry.

 Summary