A physical pendulum is a pendulum that has a physical, three-dimensional shape. This is in contrast to a simple pendulum, which has a mass at the end of a massless, one-dimensional string or rod.
A physical pendulum has a more complex motion compared to a simple pendulum due to its three-dimensional shape. It also has a different period of oscillation and different equations of motion.
The period of a physical pendulum is affected by its length, mass distribution, and the force of gravity. Other factors that may affect the period include air resistance and the amplitude of the swing.
The period of a physical pendulum can be calculated using the equation T = 2π√(I/mgd), where T is the period, I is the moment of inertia, m is the mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and d is the distance from the pivot point to the center of mass.
Physical pendulums are used in experiments to study the principles of oscillations and to measure the acceleration due to gravity. They are also used in engineering applications, such as in the design of suspension systems and clock mechanisms.
