simple pendulum
- noun
- /ˈsɪmpəl ˈpɛndələm/
- Specialized
:
péndulo simple
- You know, the pendulum is we just a simple pendulum is the restoring torque is MGL sine Theta.
Examples
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A simple pendulum swings back and forth, illustrating basic principles of oscillation in physics.
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In physics experiments, a simple pendulum is often used to demonstrate the effects of gravity on motion.
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The model is going to be a simple pendulum with a mass at the end, but a massless leg.
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The behavior of a simple pendulum can be accurately predicted using formulas based on its length and the acceleration due to gravity.
Synonyms
125
4.3
A weight hanging from a fixed point that swings back and forth
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is directly compositional: 'simple' (not complicated/basic) modifies 'pendulum' (a swinging weight), so a learner who knows both words can infer it denotes a basic or uncomplicated type of pendulum. Technical idealizations (point mass, weightless thread) are specialized details, but the core meaning is transparently derived from the constituents and follows a common adjective+noun pattern.
Etymology
Simple pendulum is named for a very basic hanging swing: simple here means 'basic' and a pendulum is a weight that hangs and swings on a string. Because the model uses a tiny weight and a light string with no friction, the motion is easy to study, so the phrase now means the basic swinging system scientists use to show how pendulums move.