Pendulum Power! Grade 5 Science Worksheet

Pendulum Power! Science Worksheet

Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Use the provided image to help you understand the parts of a pendulum.

What is a Pendulum?

A pendulum is a weight suspended from a pivot so that it can swing freely. When a pendulum is displaced sideways from its resting, equilibrium position, it is subject to a restoring force due to gravity that will accelerate it back toward the equilibrium position. When released, the restoring force acting on the pendulum's mass causes it to oscillate about the equilibrium position, swinging back and forth. The time it takes for one complete swing (back and forth) is called its period.

1. What is the main force that causes a pendulum to swing back towards its resting position?

2. What is the 'period' of a pendulum?

3. The part of the pendulum that swings back and forth is called the  .

4. A pendulum's motion is an example of   motion.

5. A longer string on a pendulum will usually make its period  .

6. The weight of the pendulum bob significantly changes its period.

7. Pendulums are used in some clocks to keep time.

8. Describe one real-world example of where you might see or use a pendulum.

9. If you want to make a pendulum swing faster (decrease its period), what change could you make to the pendulum's setup?