Pendulum Calculator
Calculate the period of a simple pendulum given its length and gravitational acceleration.
Pendulum Parameters
Simple Pendulum Period Formula
The period of a simple pendulum (for small angles of swing) is given by the formula:
Where:
- T = Period in seconds (s)
- L = Length of the pendulum in meters (m)
- g = Acceleration due to gravity in meters per second squared (m/s2)
Typical Gravitational Accelerations
| Location | Gravity (m/s²) |
|---|---|
| Earth (average) | 9.81 |
| Moon | 1.62 |
| Mars | 3.71 |
| Jupiter | 24.79 |
| Space Station (orbit) | ~0 (microgravity) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a simple pendulum?
A simple pendulum consists of a point mass (bob) suspended from a string or rod of negligible mass, swinging freely under the influence of gravity. It is an idealized model used to study oscillatory motion.
What is the period of a pendulum?
The period of a pendulum is the time it takes for one complete swing (oscillation) back and forth. For a simple pendulum, the period depends primarily on its length and the acceleration due to gravity, not on the mass of the bob or the amplitude of the swing (for small angles).
What is the formula for the period of a simple pendulum?
The formula for the period (T) of a simple pendulum for small angles is T = 2π√(L/g), where L is the length of the pendulum and g is the acceleration due to gravity.