A pendulum is a point
mass - sometimes called a 'bob' - connected to a string, rod or rope,
that experiences simple harmonic motion as it swings back and forth.
The equation that describes its period T is:
where l is the length of the string and g is the acceleration due to gravity.
The
mathematical treatment that results in the above equation assumes the mass is a 'point' so that it is not
experiencing air resistance, it also assumes that it swings without friction
at the pivot point and that the string is inextensible.
The equilibrium position of the pendulum is the position when the mass is hanging directly downward.
Here are a couple of interactive activities to 'enrich' your study of this topic.
Click here to find out about the history of the pendulum and its development into a timing mechanism.
This pendulum is mesmerizing to watch as it traces beautiful Lissajous patterns in sand. A favorite of elementary school science tables, it can be used at upper levels to study harmonic motion as energy is transferred from a pendulum swinging in one plane to swinging in another plane at right...
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