Kater's Reversible Pendulum
Product Code : EL-AM-10324
Quick answer: Kater's Reversible Pendulum is a 120 x 1.2 cm brass bar with pointed ends, two sets of adjustable knife edges, large and small brass weights and two hardwood weights, supplied with a cast iron wall bracket and a stand of about 52 inches. It is used to find the acceleration due to gravity, g, precisely. Lab Exports manufactures it in Delhi for colleges, universities and schools.
Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Bar | Brass, 120 x 1.2 cm, pointed ends |
| Knife edges | Two sets, adjustable |
| Weights | Large and small brass weights, plus two similar hardwood weights |
| Wall bracket | Cast iron |
| Stand | Approx. 52 inches high |
| Variants | Stainless steel rod with brass weights, or steel chrome-plated rod |
How Kater's pendulum experiment is done
A compound pendulum has the same period about two points on opposite sides of its centre of gravity when the distance between them equals the length of the equivalent simple pendulum. Kater's pendulum uses this: the weights are moved until the periods about the two knife edges, T1 and T2, are nearly equal, and the distance L between the knife edges then gives g = 4 pi^2 L / T^2 without finding the radius of gyration.
- Hang the pendulum by one knife edge on the wall bracket or stand, with the pointed end over a reference mark.
- Time 20 small oscillations to find T1, then reverse the pendulum onto the other knife edge and find T2.
- Move the weights or knife edges and repeat until T1 and T2 agree closely.
- Measure the distance L between the knife edges, and the distances l1 and l2 of each knife edge from the centre of gravity, found by balancing the bar on a knife edge.
- Calculate g from Bessel's form: 8 pi^2 / g = (T1^2 + T2^2)/(l1 + l2) + (T1^2 - T2^2)/(l1 - l2).
The second term is small when T1 and T2 are close, so a rough value of l1 - l2 is enough, and the result depends mainly on L, which can be measured accurately.
Key features
- Brass bar, 120 x 1.2 cm, with pointed ends for reading the swing
- Two sets of adjustable knife edges for the reversible arrangement
- Large and small brass weights plus two hardwood weights to tune the periods
- Cast iron wall bracket and a stand of approx. 52 inches supplied
- Variants with a stainless steel rod and brass weights, or a steel chrome-plated rod
Documentation and supply
Installation instructions and a manual are supplied with the apparatus. Most Lab Exports products carry a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Lab Exports manufactures the Kater's pendulum at its works in Laxmi Nagar, Delhi, and supplies it to colleges, universities and schools in India and 60+ countries, handling the export documents for each shipment. More about the company is on the About Lab Exports page.
Related Applied Mechanics products
- Cantilever Apparatus (EL-AM-10323)
- Bifilar Pendulum (EL-AM-10325)
- Bending of Beam Apparatus, Koenig's Method (EL-AM-10322)
- Inclined Plane Brass (EL-AM-10326)
- Bending of Beam Apparatus (EL-AM-10321)
- Deluxe Inclined Plane (EL-AM-10327)
The full range is in the Applied Mechanics section of the Physics Lab range.
Frequently asked questions
What does Kater's reversible pendulum measure?
It measures the acceleration due to gravity, g, from the equal periods about two knife edges and the distance between them.
What is the bar of Kater's pendulum made of?
Brass, 120 x 1.2 cm, with pointed ends; variants with a stainless steel rod or a steel chrome-plated rod are also available.
Is a stand supplied with Kater's pendulum?
Yes. It is complete with a cast iron wall bracket and a stand of approximately 52 inches height.
What is the price of the Kater's pendulum?
Prices are not published on the website. Add the Kater's pendulum to the Enquiry Cart with the Add To Cart button on this page, or email [email protected] with the house code EL-AM-10324 and the quantity, to receive a quotation.
Does Lab Exports manufacture the Kater's pendulum?
Yes. Lab Exports manufactures the Kater's pendulum at its works at 11/315, Lalita Park, Laxmi Nagar, Delhi 110092, under house code EL-AM-10324.
Request a quote
Email [email protected] with the house code EL-AM-10324 and the quantity, or add the Kater's pendulum to the Enquiry Cart with the Add To Cart button on this page. Tender buyers can also see the Tenders and OEM page.
.jpg)
