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The simple pendulum: Not so simple after all!

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Abstract

Theoretical analysis of the ‘simple’ pendulum beyond the small-angle approximation teaches us about anharmonic oscillators and approximate (perturbative) solutions. Experiments with a simple-to-set-up pendulum teach us about errors in measurements, and curve fitting of theoretical expressions to experimental data. The pendulum also exhibits frictional damping, a feature of most real oscillators.

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Suggested Reading

  1. V V Migulin, V Medvedev, E Mustel, and V Parygn, Basic Theory of Oscillations, Mir Publishers, Moscow, 1983.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. BSc Final Year, St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore, 560 027, India

    H. P. Kaumudi

  2. Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560 012, India

    Vasant Natarajan

Authors
  1. H. P. Kaumudi
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  2. Vasant Natarajan
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Correspondence to Vasant Natarajan.

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Kaumudi, H.P., Natarajan, V. The simple pendulum: Not so simple after all!. Reson 14, 357–366 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12045-009-0036-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12045-009-0036-2

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