Pendulum Lab
Simulation
Measurements
Key Formulas & Variables
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| T | Period — time for one complete back-and-forth swing (in seconds, s) |
| L | Length of the pendulum string (in metres, m) |
| g | Acceleration due to gravity (Earth = 9.8 m/s², Moon = 1.6 m/s²) |
| f | Frequency = 1/T (number of swings per second, in hertz Hz) |
| KE | Kinetic energy = ½mv² (fastest at the bottom of the swing) |
| PE | Potential energy = mgh (greatest at the top of the swing) |
The period depends only on length and gravity, not on mass or how far you pull it back (for small angles). A longer pendulum swings more slowly. On the Moon, a pendulum swings about 2.5 times slower than on Earth.
About This Experiment
Explore the relationship between pendulum length and period using the formula T = 2π√(L/g). This classic experiment demonstrates simple harmonic motion and shows how the period depends only on length and gravity, not on mass or amplitude (for small angles). Observe energy transformation between kinetic and potential energy throughout the swing.
Compare pendulum behavior on Earth, Moon, and Mars to understand gravity's effect on period. The restoring force is proportional to displacement for small angles, creating the characteristic sinusoidal motion pattern of simple harmonic motion.