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sexysam_short
Why is it that a simple pendulum only shows SHM at small angles close to the equilibrium position?
A pendulum is a weight suspended from a pivot point that can swing back and forth due to the force of gravity.
A pendulum demonstrates simple harmonic motion because its motion follows a sinusoidal pattern, with the pendulum swinging back and forth at a constant frequency and amplitude. This motion is governed by the restoring force of gravity.
The period of a pendulum is affected by the length of the pendulum, the mass of the weight, and the acceleration due to gravity. Other factors such as air resistance and friction can also affect the period.
A pendulum is a real-life example of simple harmonic motion. It follows the same mathematical equations and principles as other simple harmonic oscillators, such as a mass-spring system.
The limits of simple harmonic motion for a pendulum occur when the amplitude is too large or the motion is affected by external forces, such as air resistance or friction. In these cases, the pendulum's motion will deviate from a perfect sinusoidal pattern and may not follow the expected equations for simple harmonic motion.