Also
known as a Simple Pendulum, a pendulum is a body suspended from a fixed
support, which swings back and forth due to gravity. It is used to regulate
a number of devices, most commonly used in clocks.
It comprises of a mass, known as a Bob, which in turn is suspended from a
fixed point so that it can swing in an arc which is further is determined by
its momentum and gravity. A simple pendulum makes each swing in the same
time, independent of the size of the arc. This has been used in earlier
astronomical studies to measure time. The longer the pendulum, the longer is
the time of its swing. The mechanism is used to regulate and control the
speed of a clock.
Types of Pendulum
- Conical Pendulum: It is a pendulum, swinging in a circle so
as to form a cone.
- Torsion pendulum: In this type of pendulum, the bob
oscillates by twisting and untwisting, similar to a balance wheel of a
watch.
Use of a Pendulum
- Clocks
- Physics Laboratory
- Educational Laboratory
