Physical Pendulum Calculator

Physical Pendulum Calculator

Physical pendulum calculator helps you to evaluate the period, center of mass/ moment of inertia, Acceleration of gravity, or distance from the center of mass to pivot.

What is a Physical Pendulum?

The physical pendulum is a fascinating mechanical system that exhibits oscillatory motion. It consists of a rigid body or an extended object that is capable of rotational motion around an axis. Unlike the simple pendulum, which consists of a mass suspended by a string, the physical pendulum is more complex and offers unique characteristics to explore.

Characteristics of a Physical Pendulum:

Definition and Components:

A physical pendulum can be defined as a rigid body that is capable of rotational motion around a fixed axis. It consists of three main components: the point of suspension, the pendulum arm, and the center of mass. The center of mass is crucial as it determines the equilibrium position and affects the pendulum's motion.

Determining the Period of Oscillation:

The period of oscillation, which represents the time taken for one complete cycle of motion, is an essential characteristic of a physical pendulum. The period can be determined using various factors such as the length of the pendulum, the mass distribution, and the effects of gravity.

Analyzing the Motion of a Physical Pendulum:

Small Amplitude Approximation:

For small amplitudes, the motion of a physical pendulum can be approximated using simple harmonic motion. This approximation simplifies the analysis and allows for easy determination of the period based on the length and other factors.

Large Amplitude Motion:

When the amplitude of the swing exceeds a certain threshold, the small amplitude approximation is no longer accurate. The motion becomes more complex, and the period of oscillation deviates from the simple harmonic motion.

Understanding the behavior of the physical pendulum under large amplitudes adds further depth to its study.

Damping and Resonance:

Damping refers to the dissipation of energy from a system, leading to a decrease in amplitude over time. The presence of damping influences the motion of the physical pendulum and affects its period.

Additionally, resonance occurs when the driving frequency matches the natural frequency of the pendulum, resulting in amplified oscillations.