PENDULUMS By:

Nahdir Austin Honors Physics

Period 2

History of the Pendelum First used in the Han dynasty’s

seismometer device by scientists Zhang Heng.

Tenth century Egyptian astronomer Ibn Yunis used a pendulum for time measurement.

Leonardo da Vinci made many drawings of the motion of pendulums.

Italian scientist Galileo Galilei was the first to study the properties of pendulums, beginning around 1602.

Most accurate time keeping device up until the 1930’s, when the quartz was invented.

Period of oscillation

A pendulum is a weight suspended from its pivot so it can move freely.

When released the restoring force combined with the pendulum's mass causes it to oscillate about the equilibrium position, swinging back and forth

Period: Time for one complete cycle, a left and right swing. Swing periods of a simple gravity pendulum is dependent on

its length, acceleration of gravity, and its amplitude. The property of isochronisms is the reason why pendulums

are good for timekeeping. Isochronisms: regardless of the amplitude of oscillation the period of

pendulums of equal length is constant. They are directly effected by the acceleration of gravity, which

is constant. Since the force of gravity slightly differs throughout the earth, pendulums

need to be adjusted when moved to a new area.

Uses of the Pendulum

Used as a gravimeter to measure local gravity.

Used in seismometers, which measures earth’s tremors.

They are an important factor for Schuler tuning, which is used in guidance systems of planes and ships

Some religions use pendulum motion at religious ceremonies such as The swinging incense burner called a censer.