Pendulum Lab Simulator
Explore period, gravity and energy with a swinging pendulum.
Period (formula)0 s
Period (measured)–
Angle0°
Total energy0 J
What you can learn
- For small angles the period is T = 2π√(L/g). It does not depend on mass.
- Kinetic and potential energy trade off while the total stays constant (without damping).
- Longer pendulums swing slower; stronger gravity makes them swing faster.
Frequently asked questions
Does the mass of a pendulum change its period?
No. In the ideal pendulum the period depends only on length and gravity. Try changing the mass slider and watch the period stay the same.
Why does the period change at large angles?
The T = 2π√(L/g) formula assumes small angles. At large angles the real period is longer, and this simulator uses the full pendulum equation so you can see it.