2010/02/21 by P. Arun, Arun, P.
Physics and Astronomy · #Classical Physics (physics.class-ph) #FOS: Physical sciences #Physics Education (physics.ed-ph) #Popular Physics (physics.pop-ph) #physics.class-ph #physics.ed-ph #physics.pop-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1002.3956
Nine pages and three figures
arxiv created 2010/02/21 · arxiv updated 2010/02/26
The evaluation of variation in oscillation time period of a simple pendulum as its mass varies proves a rich source of discussion in a physics class-room, overcoming erroneous notions carried forward by students as to what constitutes a pendulum's length due to picking up only the results of approximations and ignoring the rigorous definition. The discussion also presents a exercise for evaluating center of mass of geometrical shapes and system of bodies. In all, the pedagogical value of the problem is worth both theoretical and experimental efforts. This article discusses the theoretical considerations.