answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

A pendulum isn't needed to illustrate gravity, and is seldom used for that purpose.

It's much easier to illustrate gravity by dropping a book on the floor.

But a pendulum is a very useful means of measuring the value of gravity in a place,

because the time that a pendulum takes to swing back-and-forth once is very closely

connected to the local value of gravity. It doesn't depend on the weight of the thing

hanging at the end of the string at all ... only on the length of the string and the local

value of gravity.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

6mo ago

A pendulum is important because it demonstrates principles of physics, such as gravity and oscillation. It is used in various timekeeping devices like clocks, as well as in scientific experiments to measure periods and frequencies. Pendulums also have practical applications in engineering, such as seismic dampers in buildings.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

- used to provide accurate time-keeping

- used to measure "g"

- used to show that earth spins

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

A pendulum swings in the same direction. By the Earth'srotation, over time, you will see the pendulum rotate.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

The pendulum is an accurate time device. Before the advent of modern clocks and watches, pendulums were used to ACCURATELYmeasure time.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why is a pendulum important?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Physics

What is the effect of draught in a simple pendulum experiment?

In a simple pendulum experiment, air resistance or drag can affect the motion of the pendulum by slowing it down. This can lead to discrepancies in the period and amplitude of the pendulum swing compared to theoretical calculations. It is important to minimize the effects of air resistance in order to obtain accurate results in the experiment.


Why is it important to keep the amplitude of the swinging pendulum small?

Keeping the amplitude of the swinging pendulum small is important to maintain the regularity and predictability of its motion. Large amplitudes can introduce non-linearities that impact the period of oscillation and make the pendulum less reliable for timekeeping or measurement purposes. Additionally, larger amplitudes can result in higher energy loss due to air resistance or friction, leading to dampening of the pendulum's motion.


What is the lenght of the equivalent of simple pendulum?

The length of an equivalent simple pendulum is the distance from the pivot point to the center of mass of the object in question. This length is important in calculating the period of oscillation for the system.


Why is it important that a pendulum in a clock is heavy?

A heavier pendulum swings with more inertia, which helps regulate the clock's movement and keep time accurately. The weight also increases the pendulum's momentum, making it less affected by external factors like air resistance or friction.


Why a compound pendulum is called equivalent simple pendulum?

Compound pendulum is a physical pendulum whereas a simple pendulum is ideal pendulum. The difference is that in simple pendulum centre of mass and centre of oscillation are at the same distance.

Related questions

What are the two most important things have you learned from a pendulum?

Chuck Noris


Did Galileo invent the pendulum?

No, Galileo did not invent the pendulum. The pendulum was actually invented by Italian mathematician and scientist, Galileo's compatriot, named Domenico Mancini in 1582. Galileo did however conduct important experiments on the pendulum and made significant contributions to its understanding and application.


What is the effect of draught in a simple pendulum experiment?

In a simple pendulum experiment, air resistance or drag can affect the motion of the pendulum by slowing it down. This can lead to discrepancies in the period and amplitude of the pendulum swing compared to theoretical calculations. It is important to minimize the effects of air resistance in order to obtain accurate results in the experiment.


Why is it important to keep the amplitude of the swinging pendulum small?

Keeping the amplitude of the swinging pendulum small is important to maintain the regularity and predictability of its motion. Large amplitudes can introduce non-linearities that impact the period of oscillation and make the pendulum less reliable for timekeeping or measurement purposes. Additionally, larger amplitudes can result in higher energy loss due to air resistance or friction, leading to dampening of the pendulum's motion.


What is the lenght of the equivalent of simple pendulum?

The length of an equivalent simple pendulum is the distance from the pivot point to the center of mass of the object in question. This length is important in calculating the period of oscillation for the system.


Why is it important that a pendulum in a clock is heavy?

A heavier pendulum swings with more inertia, which helps regulate the clock's movement and keep time accurately. The weight also increases the pendulum's momentum, making it less affected by external factors like air resistance or friction.


Why a compound pendulum is called equivalent simple pendulum?

Compound pendulum is a physical pendulum whereas a simple pendulum is ideal pendulum. The difference is that in simple pendulum centre of mass and centre of oscillation are at the same distance.


How does the length of the pendulum effect the pendulum?

The longer the length of the pendulum, the longer the time taken for the pendulum to complete 1 oscillation.


What does it take to build a homemade pendulum?

To build a homemade pendulum, you will need a weight (such as a metal bolt or nut) attached to a string or wire. The weight should be suspended so it can swing freely. You can create a stand to hold the pendulum and mark positions for it to swing from to observe its movement. It's important to ensure the length of the string and the weight of the pendulum are consistent for accurate results.


The weight on a pendulum is called?

The weight on a pendulum is called a bob or pendulum bob. It is a mass that hangs from the end of the pendulum arm and helps determine the period of oscillation.


Frictionless pendulum is an example of?

Frictionlist pendulum is an example of the pendulum of a clock, a reversible process, free.


How does the length of a pendulum affect the frequency?

A longer pendulum will have a smaller frequency than a shorter pendulum.