Physics
Period of a simple pendulum
The small angle result, depending only on length and gravity.
The Formula
T = 2 x pi x sqrt(L / g)
The small angle result, depending only on length and gravity.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Period | seconds | The time for one complete swing. |
| L | Length | metres | The distance from the pivot to the centre of mass. |
| g | Gravity | metres per second squared | The local acceleration of gravity. |
What Each Symbol Means
Tseconds
Period
The time for one complete swing.
Lmetres
Length
The distance from the pivot to the centre of mass.
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.