Simple Pendulum

A simple pendulum is a weight on the end of a string, bob, or another flexible object such as a metal wire that swings freely back and forth under gravity. Occasionally referred to as a “simple pendulum clock,” this device has been used in elementary physics demonstrations.

Anyone can do a simple pendulum experiment! You will need a pendulum and a stopwatch. It’s very easy, fun, and interesting to find a simple pendulum time period.

The following article will introduce you to the basics of the simple pendulum experiment: what a pendulum is, and how it works.

What is a Pendulum? 

A pendulum, in general, is a weight that is suspended freely under the force of gravity. A simple pendulum consists of a thin cord that hangs down, with a distinct ‘wobbling’ movement to give it its name.

What is a simple Pendulum?

A simple pendulum is a very simple device. Its design varies depending on the purpose of experimentation. 

Features of a Simple Pendulum

• The weight can be anything, as long as it has a point of attachment to the cord, usually through a hinge or pivot. It is also possible to use a curved beam or tube-shaped weight to allow different types of motion.

• The string used in the pendulum must not stretch very much when under tension to avoid changes in length and thus changes in the time period. The material used is usually nylon.

• The weight must be small enough to allow the cord to swing freely and avoid changes in the period caused by friction between the bob and cord. The mass of the weight should be less than 5% of the mass of the string.

• The line length, or arm length, cannot be very long; however, it will affect the period of oscillation and thus should be as short as possible while still allowing gravity to make it swing freely.

• The pivots on which the bob hangs or turns must be very smooth. This is important to allow the motion to move easily and oscillate.

• The counterweight must be equal to about half the mass of the pendulum weight to create an equilibrium between the two masses and allow it to swing freely back and forth under gravity.

• A simple pendulum can also be inverted to swing out above a pivot instead of swinging down towards one end, as in most cases.

• The type of simple pendulum will depend on the study that is being done. A common one, which is used in physics classes, is to measure the period of oscillation.

What is a Simple Pendulum Clock Experiment Used For?

The Simple Pendulum Clock Experiment can be used for demonstrations in science classes, especially in physical science and earth science-related classes. It can also be used to measure time periods of motion. This can be used as a simple pendulum clock or mechanical clocks and watches.

How Does it Work?

For the simple pendulum to work, you have to have a perfect balance between the bob’s weight and its distance from the pivot point. You should also make sure that you choose a very rigid piece of metal for your bob so that it won’t stretch or deform when it swings under gravity.

Your weight should be at least as heavy as the bob, and you should determine this value before the experiment begins. The distance between the pivot point and your weight should also be equal to or less than your arm span, or in other words, 12 inches. This ensures that the bob is close to vertical with the least amount of mechanical advantage.

Simple Pendulum Time Period

The simple pendulum time period is when it takes for the pendulum to complete one complete circle in the air. This shows that a simple pendulum can only be used to determine when something has stopped moving or is still.

Simple pendulum time period

T = 2π√l/g

where, 

T is the time period of simple pendulum time, which is dependent on the length l, and the acceleration due to gravity 

g is the acceleration due to gravity. 

l is the length of the arm of the pendulum.

The longer the pendulum, the longer it takes to swing back and forth; this results in a longer period. The pendulum’s period is directly proportional to its length; in other words, if a pendulum has a period of two seconds, then if its length is doubled, it will have a period of four seconds.

The period of a simple pendulum experiment can be determined by placing a metal rod on top of a frictionless surface and attaching a weight to one end.

Conclusion

A simple pendulum is used to determine the period of oscillation, which can be useful in clocks. The oscillatory movement has mattered since the beginning of civilization. Today, it has evolved into many tools and devices and is providing us with new physics laws and formulas.

Today’s modern technology is based on this very principle; oscillations are found in a variety of applications.

The simple pendulum time period is dependent on the length l and the acceleration due to gravity. This means that if you change  the length of the iron rod four times in question, then you’ll also double the period.