Conical Pendulum
This interactive simulator explores Conical Pendulum in Classical Mechanics. Steady cone: ω(θ,L), T and mg vectors, T_rev vs simple-pendulum T₀. Use the controls to change the scenario; watch the visualization and any graphs or readouts to connect the model with lectures, labs, and homework.
Who it's for: Best once you already know the basic definitions and want to build intuition. Typical context: Classical Mechanics.
Key terms
- conical
- pendulum
- conical pendulum
- mechanics
- classical
Live graphs
How it works
The bob moves on a horizontal circle at fixed polar angle θ from the vertical, tracing a cone. In steady motion the string tension balances weight and supplies the centripetal force. The angular speed is ω = √(g/(L cosθ)), so steeper cones (larger θ) require faster rotation. This is a different motion from the planar swing of a simple pendulum: compare T_rev here with the small-angle harmonic period T₀ = 2π√(L/g) — they are not the same physical period, but both scale with √(L/g).
Key equations
More from Classical Mechanics
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Yo-Yo Dynamics
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Satellite Yo-Yo Despin
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