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A swinging pendulum follows a simple physical path that is described as simple harmonic motion. A frictionless pendulum would swing forever. Friction generates heat which radiates away energy from the system. Therefore friction will cause the pendulum to slow and stop as all the energy gets removed from the S.H.M. If you rig up a way to replace the lost energy, then the pendulum will continue to swing. This is the method used in a pendulum clock. The energy put into the wind up spring will replace the energy lost due to friction until the spring winds down. The key point is "energy is conserved" which means you cannot create or destroy it. You can only move it from one place to another or convert it into something else.

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What variables affect the swing of a pendulum?

The variables that affect the swing of a pendulum are its length, mass, and the amplitude of its initial displacement. A longer pendulum will have a slower swing rate, while a heavier mass will also affect the period of oscillation. Amplitude plays a role in determining the maximum speed of the pendulum swing.


What makes a pendulm swing fast or slow?

The speed of a pendulum is determined by the length of the pendulum arm and the force applied to set it in motion. A shorter pendulum will swing faster, while a longer pendulum will swing slower. Additionally, factors such as air resistance and friction can also affect the speed of a pendulum swing.


How does the length of a string affect the number of times a pendulum will swing back and forth?

The length of a pendulum affects the time it takes for one complete swing, known as the period. A longer pendulum will have a longer period, meaning it will take more time for one swing. This does not affect the number of swings back and forth, but it does impact the time it takes for each swing.


Does changing the mass of the pendulum affect the number of swings?

The mass of the pendulum does not significantly affect the number of swings. The period (time taken for one complete swing) of a pendulum depends on the length of the pendulum and the acceleration due to gravity. The mass only influences the amplitude of the swing.


How does the length affect pendulum in a period?

The period of a pendulum is independent of its length. The period is determined by the acceleration due to gravity and the length of the pendulum does not affect this relationship. However, the period of a pendulum may change if the amplitude of the swing is very wide.

Related Questions

What variables affect the swing of a pendulum?

The variables that affect the swing of a pendulum are its length, mass, and the amplitude of its initial displacement. A longer pendulum will have a slower swing rate, while a heavier mass will also affect the period of oscillation. Amplitude plays a role in determining the maximum speed of the pendulum swing.


How does the amplitude of a pendulum affect it's swing?

it doesn't


What makes a pendulm swing fast or slow?

The speed of a pendulum is determined by the length of the pendulum arm and the force applied to set it in motion. A shorter pendulum will swing faster, while a longer pendulum will swing slower. Additionally, factors such as air resistance and friction can also affect the speed of a pendulum swing.


How does the length of a string affect the number of times a pendulum will swing back and forth?

The length of a pendulum affects the time it takes for one complete swing, known as the period. A longer pendulum will have a longer period, meaning it will take more time for one swing. This does not affect the number of swings back and forth, but it does impact the time it takes for each swing.


What factors affect the swing of a pendulum?

Air resistance, Gravity, Friction, The attachment of the pendulum to the support bar, Length of String, Initial Energy (if you just let it go it will go slower than if you swing it) and the Latitude. Amplitude only affects large swings (in small swing the amplitude is doesn't affect the swing time). Mass of the pendulum does not affect the swing time. A formula for predicting the swing of a pendulum: T=2(pi)SQRT(L/g) T = time pi = 3.14... SQRT = square root L = Length g = gravity


Does changing the mass of the pendulum affect the number of swings?

The mass of the pendulum does not significantly affect the number of swings. The period (time taken for one complete swing) of a pendulum depends on the length of the pendulum and the acceleration due to gravity. The mass only influences the amplitude of the swing.


How does the length affect pendulum in a period?

The period of a pendulum is independent of its length. The period is determined by the acceleration due to gravity and the length of the pendulum does not affect this relationship. However, the period of a pendulum may change if the amplitude of the swing is very wide.


How does amplitude of a pendulum affect frequency?

The amplitude of a pendulum does not affect its frequency. The frequency of a pendulum depends on the length of the pendulum and the acceleration due to gravity. The period of a pendulum (which is inversely related to frequency) depends only on these factors, not on the amplitude of the swing.


What are the factors that affect the period of a pendulum with a horizontal moving support?

The factors that affect the period of a pendulum with a horizontal moving support include the length of the pendulum, the amplitude of its swing, the acceleration due to gravity, and the velocity of the support.


What is the pendulum's time constant and how does it affect the motion of the pendulum?

The pendulum's time constant is the time it takes for the pendulum to complete one full swing. It is determined by the length of the pendulum and the acceleration due to gravity. A longer pendulum will have a longer time constant. The time constant affects the motion of the pendulum by determining the period of its oscillation - a longer time constant means a slower swing, while a shorter time constant means a faster swing.


Does the height of release affect the swing of a pendulum?

Yes, the height of release affects the swing of a pendulum. A pendulum released from a greater height will have a larger amplitude (maximum displacement from the central position) but the period (time taken to complete one full swing) will remain the same, assuming there is no air resistance.


Does force affect a pendulum?

Yes, force can affect a pendulum by changing its amplitude or frequency of oscillation. For example, increasing the force acting on a pendulum can cause it to swing with a larger amplitude. However, the force does not change the period of a pendulum, which is solely determined by its length.