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Simple Pendulum

1. The period of oscillation of a simple pendulum is independent of amplitude (for small

values only), length being constant.

m
2. At constant length, the period of oscillation of a simple pendulum is independent of

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size, shape or material of the bob.
L
Time period of a simple pendulum (T) = 2π . Where

n.
g

l = length of the simple pendulum

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g = acceleration due to gravity at a place.
3. Tension in the string of simple pendulum at
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a. Tmin = mg Cos θ (when bob is at extreme position)
b. T = mg (3 - 2 Cosθ) (When bob is at any position)
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Where θ is any angular amplitude.

4. I - T2 graph of a simple pendulum is straight line passing through origin.
i
sh

5. l-T graph of a simple pendulum is parabola.

6. At the point of intersection of l-T graph and l–T2 graph of a simple
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Y l -T

pendulum. T
l -T2
.s

i) T = 1 second X
l
w

ii) n = 1 Hz.
w

g
iii) l= ≅ 25cm On the surface of the earth
4π 2
w

7. If L = ∞ (infinity). T = 2π R = 84.5 min.

g

8. If L = R , T = 2π
R 84.5
= min
2g 2

9. If L is very small compared to Radius of the earth, T = 2π ℓ

g

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10. Restoring Force on the bob of the pendulum is F = mg sin θ .

11. Seconds pendulum
i) The simple pendulum whose time period equal to 2 seconds is called seconds
pendulum.
ii) The length at place where g = 9.8 m/s2 is 100 cm.

m
g
iii) Since T = 2 sec, L =
π2

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g1 ∼ g 2
iv) For two places, change in length =
π2

n.
Application

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i) When the elevator is going up with an acceleration a, then its time period is given

by T = L .
2π
g+a at
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ii) When the elevator is moving down with an acceleration a, then its time period is
L
given by T = 2π .
g−a
ed

iii) When the elevator is at rest or moving up or down with constant velocity the time
i
sh

period is given by T = 2 T = 2π L .
g
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iv) When the elevator is moving down with an acceleration (-a) then its time period
L
is given by T = 2π .
.s

g+a
w

v) In case of downward accelerated motion is a > g the pendulum turns upside and
oscillates about the highest point with T = 2π L .
w

a−g
w

vi) If a simple pendulum of length 'L' suspended in a car that is travelling with a
constant speed around a circle of radius 'r', then its time period of oscillation is
given by L .
T = 2π
2
 v2 
g2 +  
 r 

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vii) If a simple pendulum of length 'L' suspended in car moving horizontally with
acceleration 'a' is given by T = 2π L .
g + a2
2

The equilibrium position is inclined to the vertical by an angle 'θ'. Where θ =

 
tan–1  a  opposite to the acceleration.
 g

m
viii) If the bob of a simple pendulum is given a charge 'q' and is arranged in an electric

co
field of intensity 'E' to oscillate.
a) Opposite to g, → Electric force Eq will be opposite to the force mg. Hence

n.
g1=g- Eq .Then T1=2π l . So time period increases.
m Eq
g−

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m

b) In the direction of g → Electric force Eq will be in the direction

of force mg. Hence g1 = g + Eq

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then T1 = 2π so time +q
+ve charge

Eq
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l
m Eq -ve charge
g+
m
ed

period decreases.
c) Perpendicular to g → Electric force Eq will be perpendicular to the force mg.
i
sh

2
Henceg1 =  Eq 
g2 +   Then T1=2π l . So time period decreases.
m 2
 Eq 
g2 +  
m
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ix) If a simple pendulum of length L is suspended from the ceiling of a cart which is
.s

sliding without friction on an inclined plane of inclination 'θ'. Then the time
w

L
period of oscillations is given by T = 2π since the effective acceleration
g cos θ
w

changes from g to g cosθ.

w

x) A simple pendulum fitted with a metallic bob of density ds has a time period T.
When it is made to oscillate in a liquid of density d1 then its time period
l
increases. T = 2π .
 d 
g1 − l 

 ds 

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I
12. Time period of Torsion pendulum T = 2π I = moment of Inertia about the
C

suspension wire C = couple per unit twist.

13. When a hole is drilled along the diameter of the earth and if a body is dropped in it, it
moves to and from about the centre of the earth and is in S.H M. with a time period of
R
T = 2π = 84.6 minutes.

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g

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at
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i ed
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w
w
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