AP Physics C: Mechanics Flashcards: Simple and Physical Pendulums
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is a simple pendulum?
A simple pendulum is a special case of a physical pendulum where the hanging object is modeled as a point mass at a distance, ℓ, from the pivot point.
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What is a simple pendulum?
A simple pendulum is a special case of a physical pendulum where the hanging object is modeled as a point mass at a distance, ℓ, from the pivot point.
A meter stick is pivoted at the 0 cm mark and allowed to swing. Why must this be treated as a physical pendulum?
It must be treated as a physical pendulum because its mass is distributed along its length and cannot be modeled as a single point mass.
A small, dense sphere is hung from a very light string. Which pendulum model should be used to calculate its period?
The simple pendulum model should be used, as the hanging object can be modeled as a point mass at a distance ℓ from the pivot.
Under what condition are the standard period formulas for pendulums valid?
The standard period formulas for both simple and physical pendulums are derived for, and are accurate for, small amplitudes of motion.
In the physical pendulum period equation ($T_{phys}=2\pi\sqrt{\frac{I}{mgd}}$), what does the variable 'd' represent?
The variable 'd' represents the distance from the pivot point to the center of mass of the hanging object.
Based on the equation $T_{p}=2\pi\sqrt{\frac{\ell}{g}}$, what is the only property of a simple pendulum that determines its period (assuming g is constant)?
The only property of the pendulum that determines its period is its length, ℓ. The mass of the bob does not affect the period.
What is the equation for the period of a physical pendulum?
For small amplitudes, the period of a physical pendulum is given by the equation: $T_{phys}=2\pi\sqrt{\frac{I}{mgd}}$.
What is the relationship between a simple and a physical pendulum?
A simple pendulum is a specific instance of a physical pendulum, where the mass of the hanging object is considered to be concentrated at a single point.
From which physical principle is the period of a physical pendulum derived?
The period of a physical pendulum is derived from the application of Newton’s second law in its rotational form.
What is the equation for the period of a simple pendulum?
The period of a simple pendulum is given by the equation: $T_{p}=2\pi\sqrt{\frac{\ell}{g}}$.