Pendulum Simulator – Calculate the Period of an Oscillation

This simple pendulum simulator helps you practice measuring the period of oscillation.

How to use the Pendulum Simulator to Practice Measuring Period of Oscillation

To use it, enter the length of the pendulum (in meters) and the gravitational field strength (in N/kg) — for Earth, use 9.8 N/kg. Then, click Start Pendulum to begin the motion.

To estimate the period experimentally, use the built-in stopwatch above the pendulum. Start the stopwatch when you are ready to start. As the pendulum begins swinging count 20 complete oscillations. Stop the timer after the 20th oscillation, and divide the total time by 20 to find the period of one oscillation.

Note that the stopwatch operates independently of the pendulum and includes Start/Stop and Reset buttons for manual timing.