Potential energy of pendulum in terms of displacement.

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on finding the potential energy of a 1D pendulum in terms of displacement. The original poster expresses frustration over their solution compared to a professor's "clean" answer, later realizing that a Taylor approximation was used. Clarification is provided that a 1D pendulum refers to oscillation in one direction, which can represent a 3D pendulum constrained to a single axis. The poster also corrects their terminology, indicating they are pursuing a physics degree rather than a "physics license." The conversation emphasizes the use of Taylor approximation for small angle approximations in pendulum physics.
Nuclearturtle
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Hi guys, I'm having troubles finding how to write the potential energy of a 1D pendulum down. In terms of displacement however. This should be easy and it is, but my professor had this nice "clean" solution whereas mine is really dreadfull, any help? :)

edit: Ok nvm guys. I was thinking I went crazy for not finding it, since I almost have my physics license. But my professor used a Taylor approximation, nothing to worry about.
 
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By the way this is not homework, just a serious question to try to solve coupled harmonic oscillators :(
 
hi, turtle :) welcome to physicsforums

Do you still have a question about pendulums? I agree Taylor approximation is the way to go. (That's why they say 'for small angles'). Also, do you mean 2D pendulum. And what's a physics license?!
 
I meant a 1D pendulum in the sense that it only oscilates in one (!) direction. Of course this could represent a real 3D pendulum oscillating along just one axis.

Concerning the physics license, I didn't know how to sai it right, I meant physics degree or something like that. Let's just say I'm studying physics! This being the reason why I was so concerned not finding this "easy" solution :)

Thx for offering help anyway!
 

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