| Dissertation |
| SHM Properties | SHM Applications | SHM Relations | SHM Graphs | Graphical Relations | SHM and Circular Motion | SHM Equations | Simple Pendulum | Simple Pendulum Graph | Simple Pendulum Equations | SHM Assessment |
Simple Pendulum - Mass on a String
Objective 1: To identify the simple pendulum as another example of simple harmonic motion
Objective 2: To derive the restoring force for a simple pendulum
A simple pendulum or a mass on a string is another example of simple harmonic motion. The following illustration shows the force diagram and quantities important for evaluating the periodic motion of a simple pendulum.
The restoring force for a simple pendulum is the relation F = mgsin(theta)
m - mass of the pendulum bob
L - length of the pendulum from pivot to bob's center of mass
g - acceleration of gravity
theta (angle) - angular displacement of the pendulum
s - linear displacement
T - Tension