answersLogoWhite

0

The period of oscillation of a simple pendulum displaced by a small angle is:

T = (2*PI) * SquareRoot(L/g)

where T is the period in seconds, L is the length of the string, and g is the gravitional field strength = 9.81 N/Kg. This equation is for a simple pendulum only. A simple pendulum is an idealised pendulum consisting of a point mass at the end of an inextensible, massless, frictionless string. You can use the simple pendulum model for any pendulum whose bob mass is much geater than the length of the string.

For a physical (or real) pendulum:

T = (2*PI) * SquareRoot( I/(mgr) )

where I is the moment of inertia, m is the mass of the centre of mass, g is the gravitational field strength and r is distance to the pivot from the centre of mass.

This equation is for a pendulum whose mass is distributed not just at the bob, but throughout the pendulum. For example, a swinging plank of wood.

If the pendulum resembles a point mass on the end of a string, then use the first equation.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?