Simple and Compound Pendulums
Model Number: TM161
Study simple harmonic motion, pendulum period, and acceleration due to gravity with simple, compound, and Kater’s pendulums.
Overview
This product is part of a range that explores free vibrations in simple ‘one degree of freedom’ systems. This product fits to the sturdy Test Frame (TM160) for study or demonstration.
This product includes a simple pendulum and a compound pendulum. Both pendulums swing through small angles, showing the principles and use of simple harmonic motion using the small angle approximation. The simple pendulum uses a cord which may be considered as ‘light’ so you can ignore its mass, leaving only the sphere and cord length as the important variables.
The compound or ‘physical’ pendulum uses a ‘heavy’ solid rod which has reasonable mass, so you must allow for it in theoretical equations. Each pendulum has a back panel that fixes separately to the Test Frame. The back panel of each pendulum has an accurate scale and indicator, referenced to pendulum pivot or centre of mass points. This improves measurement accuracy – essential for good results.
Features
- Includes both a simple pendulum and a compound pendulum
- Demonstrates simple harmonic motion using the small angle approximation
- Fits the TecQuipment Test Frame (TM160) for study or demonstration
- Accurate scales and indicators referenced to pivot or centre of mass points improve measurement accuracy
- Simple pendulum includes two interchangeable spheres of different mass
- Adjustable indicator acts as the pendulum pivot point for rapid cord-length changes
- Compound pendulum uses a solid rod pivoting on a hardened steel knife edge
- Additional spherical mass can be fixed at any position along the rod
- Includes extra pivot and disc-shaped mass to convert the unit for use as a Kater’s pendulum
- Supports experiments to estimate the acceleration due to gravity
Specifications
- Compatible apparatus: Test Frame (TM160)
- Pendulum types: Simple pendulum and compound pendulum
- Operating motion: Small-angle oscillation
- Simple pendulum: Light cord with adjustable pivot point
- Simple pendulum masses: Two interchangeable spheres of different mass
- Compound pendulum: Solid rod with reasonable mass for physical pendulum analysis
- Compound pendulum pivot: Hardened steel knife edge on a steel platform
- Adjustable mass: Additional spherical mass positionable along the rod
- Kater’s pendulum conversion: Extra pivot and disc-shaped mass included
- Measurement aids: Back panels with accurate scales and indicators referenced to pivot or centre of mass points
Learning Outcomes
- Simple harmonic motion (SHM) and period of oscillation
- Mass moment of inertia
- Radius of gyration
- Routh’s rule
- Cord length and period of a simple pendulum
- Mass and period of a simple pendulum
- Using a simple pendulum to find the acceleration due to gravity
- Centre of gravity and period of a compound pendulum
- How an adjustable mass affects the period of a compound pendulum
- Using a Kater’s pendulum to find the acceleration due to gravity
Items Included
- Simple pendulum
- Compound pendulum
- Separate back panels for each pendulum
- Two spheres for the simple pendulum
- Adjustable indicator/pivot for the simple pendulum
- Solid rod for the compound pendulum
- Additional spherical mass for the compound pendulum
- Extra pivot for Kater’s pendulum configuration
- Disc-shaped mass for Kater’s pendulum configuration
Requirements
- Requires the Test Frame (TM160) for study or demonstration.