Simple pendulum
A small swing has a period that depends on length and gravity, not on mass. Level: standard.
Learning goals
- Watch one back-and-forth swing.
- Read the small-angle period formula.
- See that a longer string means a longer period.
Simulation
Small-angle model. The starting angle is about 11 degrees.
Formulas
- Period. T = 2 pi sqrt(L / g)
- Angle. theta = theta0 cos(2 pi t / T)
Worked example: L = 1.2 m, g = 9.81. Period 2.20 s.
Quiz
Answers
- A longer string, with the same gravity, makes the period what? Answer: Longer.
- The small-angle period formula includes which of these? Answer: Length and gravity.
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