What is a simple pendulum? Deduce an expression for the time period of a simple pendulum.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) Simple pendulum: $A$ system consisting of a small,heavy body (bob) suspended by a light,inextensible,and flexible string from a fixed (rigid) support is called a simple pendulum.
The entire mass of the simple pendulum is considered to be concentrated at the center of gravity of the suspended bob.
The distance from the point of suspension to the center of mass of the bob is called the length of the pendulum $(L)$.
Derivation of the expression for the time period $(T)$:
Consider a simple pendulum with a small bob of mass $m$ tied to an inextensible,massless string of length $L$.
The other end of the string is fixed to a support. Let $\theta$ be the angle made by the string with the vertical.
Two forces act on the bob:
$(1)$ Tension $T$ along the string.
$(2)$ Gravitational force $mg$ acting vertically downwards.
The force $mg$ can be resolved into two components:
$(1)$ Radial component: $mg \cos \theta$ (along the string).
$(2)$ Tangential component: $mg \sin \theta$ (perpendicular to the string).
The restoring force is $F = -mg \sin \theta$. For small oscillations,$\sin \theta \approx \theta$ (in radians).
So,$F = -mg \theta = -mg (x/L)$,where $x$ is the displacement.
Comparing with $F = -kx$,we get $k = mg/L$.
The time period is $T = 2\pi \sqrt{m/k} = 2\pi \sqrt{m / (mg/L)} = 2\pi \sqrt{L/g}$.

Explore More

Similar Questions

$A$ simple pendulum is oscillating without damping. When the displacement of the bob is less than maximum,its acceleration vector $\vec a$ is correctly shown in

The path length of oscillation of a simple pendulum of length $1 \,m$ is $16 \,cm$. Its maximum velocity is (Take $g = \pi^2 \,m/s^2$).

Two pendulums of length $121 \ cm$ and $100 \ cm$ start vibrating in phase. At some instant,the two are at their mean position in the same phase. The minimum number of vibrations of the shorter pendulum after which the two are again in phase at the mean position is:

$A$ simple pendulum of frequency $f$ has a metal bob. If the bob is charged negatively and is allowed to oscillate above a large positively charged plate,the frequency will be:

$A$ pendulum oscillates simple harmonically if and only if:
$I$. The size of the bob of the pendulum is negligible in comparison with the length of the pendulum.
$II$. The angular amplitude is less than $10^{\circ}$.
Choose the correct option.

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo