The simple pendulum

Tags:
1. Apr 8, 2017

SebastianRM

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Hey guys, I am reading my Physics book, in that specific section it says "the restoring force must be directly proportional to x or (because x=(theta)*L) to theta"

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution
I have tried to look for that x=(theta)*L relationship online; however, I was not able to find it. I was hoping someone here could explain that relationship to me.
Thank you.

Last edited by a moderator: Apr 8, 2017
2. Apr 8, 2017

Staff: Mentor

Did you draw a force diagram? It should become clear from that.

3. Apr 8, 2017

SebastianRM

Yeah it comes with a diagram, but i do not see how multiplying L by the displaced angle, I can end up with the length of the arc. Like, how the unit conversion works. for that? With the diagram I can see where the the restoring force in the pendulum comes from though.

4. Apr 8, 2017

Staff: Mentor

The arc length is L*theta by definition of the arc length or the angle.
For small angles, this is approximately equal to the horizontal displacement as well.

5. Apr 8, 2017

SebastianRM

And how would the unit conversion work that by doing the equation, it provides the arc length?

6. Apr 8, 2017

haruspex

I'm not able to parse that question, so I'm not sure what you are asking. The angle must be provided in radians. The definition of the radian is that if the angle is measured in radians then multiplying it by the radius gives the arc length.
Of course, if x is the horizontal displacement then that is not the same as the arc length, but as mfb posted they are approximately the same for small angles.