A pendulum with a length of 2 meters is released from a small angle. Calculate its period.

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 05:10:49 +0000

**The quiet science behind a 2-meter pendulum—why its swing holds hidden precision** Watching a simple swing—just a 2-meter pendulum released from a slight angle—can spark quiet fascination. It’s a familiar motion, divine in its rhythm, yet rooted in precise physics. Many wonder: *How long does it really take to complete one full swing?* This isn’t just a trivia point—it’s a gateway to understanding foundational timekeeping principles used in science, architecture, and even smart timekeeping technology. The period of a pendulum—the time for one complete back-and-forth motion—depends primarily on its length and the influence of gravity. For small release angles (under 15 degrees), where motion remains nearly simple harmonic, the classic formula applies: T = 2π√(L/g), where T is the period, L is the pendulum length, and g is gravitational acceleration (approximately 9.8 m/s²). With a 2-meter pendulum, this yields a period of roughly 2.8 seconds—meaning one full swing takes about 2.8 seconds, regardless of swing height, as long as angles stay small. This formula holds across decades of use, from grandfather clocks to modern educational demonstrations. Its elegance lies in simplicity: even though pendulums are ancient timekeeping tools, their predictable motion remains vital for understanding oscillation mechanics. In a digital era where precise timing underpins everything from GPS to app counters, the pendulum’s behavior offers a tangible example of predictability in physics.