Don’t let a big equation frighten you. Just register what it conveys: the longer the string and the
greater the angle, the faster the pendulum bob will move.
How This Knowledge Will Be Tested
Again, don’t worry too much about memorizing equations: most of the questions on pendulum
motion will be qualitative. There may be a question asking you at what point the tension in the
rope is greatest (at the equilibrium position) or where the bob’s potential energy is maximized (at
). It’s highly unlikely that you’ll be asked to give a specific number.Key Formulas
Hooke’s
LawPeriod of
Oscillation
of a SpringFrequencyPotential
Energy of a
SpringVelocity of a
Spring at
the
Equilibriu
m Position
Period of
Oscillation
of a
PendulumVelocity of a
Pendulum
Bob at the
Equilibriu
m Position