Class 11 Physics simulations · Units and Measurements

Dimensional analysis of a pendulum

Test which quantities can set a pendulum’s period by matching dimensions on both sides.

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What to notice

Changing the bob’s mass leaves the period unchanged — exactly as dimensional analysis predicts.

Key relation

T = k L^a g^b m^c → a = ½, b = −½, c = 0

Try this

Make the bob five times heavier. Then quadruple the length instead.

What you can change

• String length L: 0.2 to 3 m
• Gravitational field g: 1.6 to 25 m/s²
• Bob mass m: 0.1 to 5 kg

More in Units and Measurements

• Propagating errors: density of a cube
• Parallax: view from the right angle
• Micrometer screw gauge
• Spherometer
• Measurement uncertainty
• Vernier caliper

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