Difference between Simple & Physical Pendulum

The difference between Simple & Physical Pendulums can be studied in the table given below,

Simple Pendulum 

Physical Pendulum

A simple pendulum is a massless, rigid rod dangling from a point mass. A rigid body hanging from a fixed point is referred to as a physical pendulum.
A simple pendulum exhibits simple harmonic motion, in which the displacement is directly proportionate to the restoring force acting on it.  A physical pendulum undergoes a more complex motion, which can be a combination of simple harmonic motion and rotational motion.
The period of a simple pendulum is given by the formula T = 2π√(L/g), where T is the period, L is the length of the pendulum, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.  The period of a physical pendulum depends on its mass distribution and the distance between the pivot point and the centre of mass.
The amplitude of a simple pendulum is limited by the angle of the swing Physical pendulum can be large or small depending on its shape and mass distribution.

Physical Pendulum

A rigid body that is capable of rotating around an axis makes up a physical pendulum, a particular kind of pendulum. The physical pendulum can be shaped into a straight rod, a rectangular plate, or a circular disc, in contrast to a basic pendulum, which consists of a tiny mass hanging by a string. The moment of inertia, the separation between the pivot point and the center of mass, and the gravitational pull all affect how a physical pendulum swings.

Table of Content

  • What is a Simple Pendulum?
  • Physical Pendulum
  • Difference between Simple & Physical Pendulum
  • How to use Physical Pendulum Formula?
  • Solved Examples on Physical Pendulum

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What is a Simple Pendulum?

A simple pendulum is a theoretical mass tied to a massless thread or rod that may swing back and forth in response to gravity. It is an idealized model used in physics to analyze the behavior of oscillating systems. A basic pendulum’s motion is periodic and can be defined by its period, which is determined solely by the length of the string and the acceleration due to gravity....

Physical Pendulum

When we can make any object oscillate like a pendulum it is called a Physical pendulum. Any object hanging at a fixed point if given a force can oscillate like a pendulum and the equations of the pendulum are satisfied by these objects (with slight changes). The motion of this hanging object is considered to be an SHM motion....

Difference between Simple & Physical Pendulum

The difference between Simple & Physical Pendulums can be studied in the table given below,...

How to use Physical Pendulum Formula?

To use the formula for the physical pendulum, follow these steps...

Solved Examples on Physical Pendulum

Example 1: A rectangular plate with dimensions of 0.5 meters in length and 0.2 meters in breadth makes up a physical pendulum. The 2-kilogram plate pivots at one end and has a mass. What is the pendulum’s period if the pivot point and centre of mass are separated by 0.1 meters?...

Physical Pendulum – FAQs

What is a physical pendulum?...