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Waves, Oscillations & Acoustics

Compound Pendulum

A rigid body suspended from a fixed horizontal axis that oscillates under gravity about a pivot point.

Governing formula T = 2π √(I / (m g d))
SI unit s

In depth

Unlike a simple pendulum (mass concentrated at a point), a compound pendulum's period depends on the rigid body's rotational moment of inertia I and distance d from pivot to center of mass.

Examples in the real world

A grandfather clock's swinging wooden or brass pendulum arm.