Is Double Pendulum taught to all Physics majors?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around whether the double pendulum is a standard topic taught to all physics majors, exploring its role in physics education, particularly in relation to Lagrangian mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the double pendulum is commonly taught, with one recalling it being covered in the first year of theoretical mechanics.
  • Others agree, noting that they learned about it in their second year and highlighting its effectiveness in teaching the appropriate use of analytical tools.
  • A participant mentions that the double pendulum serves as a classic example in Lagrangian mechanics, recalling their own experience with the topic.
  • Another participant adds that they also encountered spring coupled pendulums alongside the double pendulum, suggesting a broader context in which these topics are taught.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the double pendulum is a common topic in physics education, though there is no consensus on whether it is universally taught to all physics majors.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify the specific curricula of different institutions, nor does it address variations in teaching approaches or the prerequisites for learning about the double pendulum.

RipVanCalcNoob
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Pretty sure it's common.
We had it in the end of the first year, in theoretical mechanics.
 
I too think it is common. We learned it at second year.
One of those classics which fits well to only one toolset - thus perfect to direct pupils to respect that toolset and so it can teach to choose the right tool for the job.
 
Last edited:
RipVanCalcNoob said:
Is this some esoteric aspect of Physics, that few ever see,
or is this part of the common core that almost every Physics major sees?

http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/physics/DoublePendulum.html

The double pendulum is a rather common example that is used in teaching Lagrangian mechanics. I certainly remember tackling this problem a very long time ago.

Zz.
 
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ZapperZ said:
The double pendulum is a rather common example that is used in teaching Lagrangian mechanics. I certainly remember tackling this problem a very long time ago.

Zz.
Yep, me too. That and spring coupled pendulums.
 
Thank you.
The coupled variant was also very cool !
 
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