Torsional Pendulum: History, Uses & Applications | Learn More

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In summary, the torsion pendulum was invented to measure the effects of torsion on a suspended object, and it is used to study the principles of rotational motion. It was first used by Leonhard Euler in the 18th century and has since been used in various experiments and studies in physics. The design of the torsion pendulum has evolved over time, with variations such as being fixed to a disk or a sphere. It is a valuable tool for understanding rotational motion and its applications in different fields.
  • #1
queenstudy
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i just want like 3 to 4 lines about the history of torsional pendulum like who started with it and what is it used for?? please quick reply
 
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that's easy.. you're online, so you can browse about it first using the internet. :))

Getting the 'right' answer is important, but understanding how to solve the problem is just as important, if not more so..#physicsforums
 
  • #3
121910marj said:
that's easy.. you're online, so you can browse about it first using the internet. :))

Getting the 'right' answer is important, but understanding how to solve the problem is just as important, if not more so..#physicsforums

okay let me ask the question in another manner , is the torsion pendulum fixed to a disk the same invention as to be fixed to a sphere??
 
  • #4
I think no.

the torsion pendulum has a disk suspended to its end that rotates on its vertical axis (the string where it is attached) while the one fixed to a sphere as you say (simple pendulum) swings from side to side (left-right/right-left manner).. :))
 
  • #5


The torsional pendulum was first studied by Italian physicist Galileo Galilei in the late 16th century. It was later further investigated by Dutch scientist Christiaan Huygens in the 17th century. Today, the torsional pendulum is used in various fields such as physics, engineering, and seismology to measure the properties of materials and to study the behavior of vibrations and oscillations. Its applications also extend to the study of rotational motion in celestial bodies and the development of precision timekeeping devices.
 

1. What is a torsional pendulum?

A torsional pendulum is a type of pendulum that consists of a mass suspended from a thin wire or filament, which acts as a torsion spring. This type of pendulum moves in a rotational motion rather than a back-and-forth motion like a traditional pendulum.

2. What is the history of the torsional pendulum?

The torsional pendulum was first described by Dutch physicist Christiaan Huygens in the 17th century. He used it to study the properties of pendulum motion and to create the first accurate clock. Since then, the torsional pendulum has been used by many scientists to study various physical phenomena.

3. What are some common uses of the torsional pendulum?

The torsional pendulum has been used in various experiments to study the effects of gravity, elasticity, and other physical properties. It is also commonly used in the development and testing of precision instruments, such as clocks, gyroscopes, and seismometers.

4. What are some modern applications of the torsional pendulum?

In addition to its use in scientific experiments, the torsional pendulum has also found applications in engineering and technology. It is used in the design and testing of structures, such as bridges and buildings, to determine their stability and resistance to torsion.

5. How does a torsional pendulum work?

When a force is applied to the mass of a torsional pendulum, the wire or filament twists, creating a restoring force that causes the pendulum to oscillate. The length of the wire and the mass of the pendulum affect the period of oscillation, which can be used to calculate other physical properties such as moment of inertia and torsional constant.

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