Related papers: How simple is simple pendulum
Two simple, interpolatory-like linearizations are shown for the simple pendulum which can be used for any initial amplitude.
We consider the period of a simple pendulum in the gravitational field of the spherical Earth. Effectively, gravity is enhanced compared with the often used flat Earth approximation, such that the period of the pendulum is shortened. We…
A pedagogical derivation of the Huygens cycloidal pendulum, suitable for high-school students, is here presented. Our derivation rests only on simple algebraic and geometrical tricks, without the need of any Calculus concept.
The nearly-incessant free oscillations of the Earth (not the larger, long-lived normal modes seen following intense quakes) were first observed by accident in the record of a tilt-sensitive instrument designed to study surface physics.…
The aim of this study is to investigate the decisions and reasoning of undergraduate students when choosing simple measurement instruments in an introductory physics laboratory course. For this study, we have developed a questionnaire and…
We present an analysis of the motion of a simple torsion pendulum and we describe how, with straightforward extensions to the usual basic dynamical model, we succeed in explaining some unexpected features we found in our data, like the…
The classic simple pendulum is a device which works as a simple harmonic oscillator (S.H.M.) only approximately. The time period remains fixed as long as the amplitude is kept sufficiently small. This limitation makes it unsatisfactory…
This article aims to answer the question, "What is the simplest system that embodies the essence of Foucault's pendulum?" We study a very elementary idealized system that exhibits a precession behavior analogous to the classic pendulum. The…
"Mathematicians, like physicists, are pushed by a strong fascination. Research in mathematics is hard, it is intellectually painful even if it is rewarding, and you would not do it without some strong urge." [D. Ruelle]. We shall give some…
The kind of flat-earth gravity used in introductory physics appears in an accelerated reference system in special relativity. From this viewpoint, we work out the special relativistic description of a ballistic projectile and a simple…
A set of examples is provided that illustrate the use of work as applied to simple machines. The ramp, pulley, lever and hydraulic press are common experiences in the life of a student and their theoretical analysis therefore makes the…
The period of oscillation of a simple pendulum ($T = 2\pi\sqrt{l/g}$) is a familiar formula to the average first-year physics student. However, deriving this expression from first principles involves solving a non-linear differential…
Nuclear and particle physics are the core components of most undergraduate and postgraduate physics courses worldwide. While few fundamental concepts like particle counting and detector characterisation are taught in tandem with laboratory…
The oscillation periods bounded by a simple pendulum and an oscillating rigid rod are illustrated using a multiple pendulum. Oscillation periods between these two limits are obtained. A theoretical approach using the Lagrangian formalism…
We propose to effectively realize a time-dependent gravitational acceleration by using a running elevator, so that a simple pendulum inside it effectively becomes one with a time-dependent gravitational acceleration. We did such an…
Described is an experiment where the embedded accelerometer of a smart-phone was used to study the free decay of a `simple' pendulum to which the phone was attached.
First year calculus is often taught in a way that is very burdensome to the student. Students have to memorize a diversity of processes for essentially performing the same task. However, many calculus processes can be simplified and…
Simple Hamiltonian systems, such as mathematical pendulum or Euler equations for rigid body, are solved without computation. It is nothing but a joke but maybe you will find it nice.
The main aim of this article is that students, at the basic level of education, gain a quantitative understanding of the size of molecules by performing a simple experiment easily designed within the classroom.
The purpose of this paper is to show the magic of physics by showing the physics of magic. What usually makes magic tricks interesting is that something unexpected occurs. Similarly, demonstrations are interesting inasmuch as they produce…