What is the period of a compound pendulum?
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SUMMARY
The period of a compound pendulum consisting of a 1.4 m rod and a 0.2 m disc, each with a mass of 3.9 kg, can be calculated using the formula T = 2π√(I/mgL). The total moment of inertia (I) is derived from the parallel axis theorem, combining the inertia of the rod (1/3mL²) and the disc (1/2mr² + md²). The center of mass (L) for the system is determined to be 1.05 m from the pivot point, leading to a calculated period of approximately 1.11 seconds.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of compound pendulum dynamics
- Familiarity with moment of inertia calculations
- Knowledge of the parallel axis theorem
- Basic grasp of gravitational acceleration (g = 9.81 m/s²)
- Study the application of the parallel axis theorem in detail
- Learn about calculating the center of mass for composite systems
- Explore the derivation and implications of the formula T = 2π√(I/mgL)
- Investigate the differences between simple and compound pendulum behavior
Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and dynamics, as well as educators teaching concepts related to pendulum motion and rotational inertia.