โš™๏ธap physics c: mechanics review

Pendulum

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโ€ขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated August 2025

Definition

A pendulum is a weight suspended from a fixed point that swings back and forth under the influence of gravity. Its motion follows simple harmonic motion if its amplitude is small.