Pendulum Lab

About This Experiment

Explore the relationship between pendulum length and period using the formula T = 2π√(L/g). This classic experiment demonstrates simple harmonic motion and shows how the period depends only on length and gravity, not on mass or amplitude (for small angles). Observe energy transformation between kinetic and potential energy throughout the swing.

Compare pendulum behavior on Earth, Moon, and Mars to understand gravity's effect on period. The restoring force is proportional to displacement for small angles, creating the characteristic sinusoidal motion pattern of simple harmonic motion.