General principles of pendulums

Forces in a pendulum

In this simulation you can see the force diagram of a pendulum as it is pulled or pushed back and forth. Observe how equilibrium is reached between the three forces acting on the ball. In which position is the tension the least?

Forces in a pendulum II

This simulation allows us to observe the forces acting on a pendulum.

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Energy in a pendulum

When the pendulum is released, it begins to swing back and forth. At what point are the maximum and minimum kinetic energy of the ball?

Energy in a pendulum II

The energy in a pendulum swings between potential and kinetic. Where has the energy of this pendulum gone?

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Pendulum Laboratory

Play with one or two pendulums and discover how the period of a simple pendulum depends on the length of the chain, the mass of the pendulum, the force of gravity, and the amplitude of the oscillation. Observe the energy in the system in real time and change the amount of friction. Measure the period using the timer or stopwatch. Use the pendulum to find the value of g on Planet X. Observe the anharmonic behavior at large amplitude.