Physical Pendulum

A simple pendulum is an idealized model. It is not achievable in

reality. But the physical pendulum is a real pendulum in which a
body of finite shape oscillates. From its frequency of oscillation, we
can calculate the moment of inertia of the body about the axis of
rotation.

Consider a body of irregular shape and mass (m) is free to oscillate

in a vertical plane about a horizontal axis passing through a point,
weight mg acts downward at the centre of gravity (G).
⇒ Check: Centre of Mass of a System of Particles
If the body is displaced through a small angle (θ) and released from
this position, a torque is exerted by the weight of the body to restore
to its equilibrium.
τ = -mg × (d sinθ)
τ=Iα
I α = – mgdsinθ
I . d2θ/dt2 = – mgdsinθ
Where I = moment of inertia of a body about the axis of rotation.
d2θ/dt2 = (mgd/I) θ [Since, sinθ ≈ θ]
ω0 = √[mgd/I].

Time Period of Physical Pendulum

T = 2π/ω0 = 2π × √[I/mgd]
For ‘I’, applying parallel axis theorem,
I = Icm + md2
Therefore, the time period of a physical pendulum is given by,
T = 2π × √[(Icm + md2)/mgd]

Edited By:- Yash Yadav