Physics
Length needed for a target period
Inverts the formula, which is how a pendulum clock is set up.
The Formula
L = g x T^2 / (4 x pi^2)
Inverts the formula, which is how a pendulum clock is set up.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| L | Length | metres | The length that gives the wanted period. |
| T | Target period | seconds | The period you want the pendulum to have. |
| g | Gravity | metres per second squared | The local acceleration of gravity. |
What Each Symbol Means
Lmetres
Length
The length that gives the wanted period.
Tseconds
Target period
The period you want the pendulum to have.
gmetres per second squared
Gravity
The local acceleration of gravity.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate the period of a pendulum page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate The Period Of A Pendulum, filed under Science. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.