EM-213.02 | Compound Pendulum Apparatus

Pendulums perform oscillations. Gravity produces the restoring moment. We distinguish between mathematical and physical pendulums. A mathematical pendulum describes an idealised gravity pendulum. In physical pendulums, the shape and size of the pendulum body is taken into account. Both are theoretical models for the description of a real pendulum. The unit is used to study pendulum swings. A gravity pendulum (mathematical pendulum) and a rod pendulum (as a physical pendulum) are compared to each other. The unit contains a metal rod with a movable auxiliary mass as the rod pendulum. The suspension point can be adjusted on the knife-edge bearing of the pendulum. The length of the gravity pendulum can be easily changed using a clamping device. The experimental unit is designed to be fixed to a wall.

Learning Objectives

• Oscillation period of gravity and rod pendulum
• Determine center of gravity on the rod pendulum