Definition

1. Noun:
   • A compound pendulum is a physical pendulum consisting of a real, extended object of finite size that is allowed to swing or rotate freely about a fixed horizontal axis. Its period of oscillation depends on its mass distribution and the distance from the pivot point to its center of mass, unlike a simple pendulum which is an idealized point mass.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • A swinging rigid rod is a classic example of a compound pendulum.
  • The period of a compound pendulum is calculated using its moment of inertia.
  • In the laboratory, we measured the gravitational constant using a compound pendulum.

Advanced Usage

• "center of oscillation": A specific point on a compound pendulum where, if all the mass were concentrated, it would behave as a simple pendulum with the same period.
  • The center of oscillation and the pivot point are interchangeable for a compound pendulum.

Variants and Related Words

• Physical pendulum: A direct synonym for a compound pendulum.
• Simple pendulum: An idealized theoretical model consisting of a point mass on a massless string, contrasted with a compound pendulum.

Synonyms

• Physical pendulum: A pendulum with a distributed mass, as opposed to an idealized simple pendulum.

Related Phrases

• To act as a compound pendulum: To swing in the manner of an extended body rotating about a pivot.
  • The gate, swinging on its hinges, acted as a compound pendulum.

Noun

1. pendulum consisting of an actual object allowed to rotate freely around a horizontal axis