Swinging Pendulum

animation

parameters

length of arm

R

0.5

length of rod

L

1.75

mass of bob

1.

b

1.

mass of arm

1.

a

0.1

initial conditions

angular position bob

θ

0

45°

angular speed arm

′

ϕ

0

1

randomize

display

pendulum

phase curve

viewpoint

default

front

above

trace

This Demonstration shows an animated model of a pendulum suspended from a swinging arm.

The pendulum, a spherical bob attached to a rigid rod, is suspended from an arm that can freely swing around a pole hanging from the ceiling.

Lagrangian mechanics are used to model the system, taking into account its kinetic energy, including the rotational energy of the arm and pendulum rod. Friction is assumed negligible.