What is the difference between simple and compound pendulum

Both pendulums swing through small angles, showing the principles and use of simple harmonic motion using the small angle approximation. Each pendulum has a back panel that fixes separately to the Test Frame. The back panel of each pendulum has an accurate scale and indicator, referenced to pendulum pivot or centre of mass points. This improves measurement accuracy - essential for good results. The simple pendulum has a choice of two spheres suspended by a cord. An adjustable indicator also acts as the pendulum pivot point - allowing you to adjust the cord length in seconds.

This can also provide a quick visual demonstration of the effect of cord length on period. In a compound pendulum , the oscillating mass has dimensions comparable to the distance between the axis of suspension and its centre of gravity. In a simple pendulum , the only physical property of the pendulum that affect its period is its length. The mass of the object does not affect the period.

A simple pendulum. A compound pendulum. The physical pendulum is any rigid body that is pivoted so that it can oscillate freely. The compound pendulum has a point called the center of oscillation. What is the difference between Simple and Compound Pendulums? The period and the frequency of the compound pendulum depend on the length of gyration, the moment of inertia, and the mass of the pendulum, as well as the gravitational acceleration.

Coming from Engineering cum Human Resource Development background, has over 10 years experience in content developmet and management. Your email address will not be published. A compound pendulum has an extended mass, like a swinging bar, and is free to oscillate about a horizontal axis.

A special reversible compound pendulum called Kater's pendulum is designed to measure the value of g, the acceleration of gravity. This is due to an ideal simple pendulum cannot be realized underlaboratory condition whereas the compound pendulum is preferred for determination theacceleration due to gravity because it moves as one rigid body and the moment of inertia ofthe whole body is take into an account.

The compound pendulum is a standard topic in most intermediate physics courses and this article describes its use to determine the gyradius and center of mass position of Olympic class sailboat hulls by measuring the oscillation period on two pivot points a known distance apart. Bar pendulum is called compound pendulum because a compound pendulum has extended mass, just like as a swinging bar.

A bar pendulum is the simplest form of compound pendulum. It is in the form of a rectangular bar with holes drilled along its length at equal separation. According to the principle of KAter's pendulum, when the pendulum is suspended upside down from the centre of its oscillation, the period of the swing remains unchanged and the new oscillation centre is the old pivot point.