Pendulum Period Calculator

Simple Harmonic Motion

Calculate the period, frequency, and oscillation properties of a simple pendulum using the formula T = 2Ο€βˆš(L/g).

Pendulum Parameters

m

Length from pivot point to center of mass

m/sΒ²

Default: 9.81 m/sΒ² (Earth)

Pendulum Formula

T = 2Ο€βˆš(L/g)

where: T = period, L = length, g = gravity

Note

This formula assumes small angles (< 15Β°). For large angles, the period increases slightly.

Example Pendulums

Clock Pendulum
~1 m β†’ 2 seconds
Playground Swing
~2.5 m β†’ 3.2 seconds
Foucault Pendulum
~67 m β†’ 16.4 seconds

About Pendulum Motion

A simple pendulum exhibits simple harmonic motion. The period depends only on length and gravity, not on mass or amplitude (for small angles).

  • Period independent of mass
  • Period proportional to √L
  • Period inversely proportional to √g

Applications

  • Timekeeping (clocks)
  • Measuring gravity
  • Seismometers
  • Metronomes
  • Physics demonstrations