Online Physics Lab: 76 Interactive Simulations
Explore physics from junior high through university. Choose a simulation, adjust its parameters, and connect the 2D or 3D model with live readings and graphs.
Simple pendulum
Swing out and back, and discover the secret of the period.
For small swings, the period of a simple pendulum depends only on its length and the gravitational acceleration. The longer the pendulum, the slower it swings; the stronger the gravity, the faster it swings.
Angle vs. time
Think about it
If the pendulum length is increased to 4 times its original value, how does the period change?
The period becomes 2 times as long. Since T is proportional to √L, √4 = 2. Try changing the length from 0.5 m to 2 m and watch what happens.
Model assumptionsIdeal pendulum · small-angle approximation (≤ 15°) · air resistance ignored
Data log
Set the parameters and click “Record data”. Record several rows with different parameters to plot their relationship and fit a straight line; pause and record at different times to study how a reading changes with time.