Re: [Phys-L] pendulum

[Todd Pedlar <pedlto01@luther.edu>]

As you note, most graphs that you see have plotted  T squared versus L -
this is because the independent variable should go on the X axis, rather
than the Y.  It seems that’s what you’re missing.  When you have a plot of
f(x), the plot is values of f for each value of x (so x the independent
one).  Your suggested choice inverts this convention.

Cheers,

Todd

Todd K. Pedlar
Professor of Physics and Physics Department Head
Luther College, Decorah, IA
pedlto01@luther.edu
(563) 387-1628
*Learner | Context | Strategic | Individualization | Achiever*


On Wed, Mar 5, 2025 at 05:02 Anthony Lapinski via Phys-l <
phys-l@mail.phys-l.org> wrote:

> I might try a pendulum lab in my (high school) class when I teach about
> waves. Will have them time the swings, change the length, and determine the
> period. Why are most graphs online for this period squared vs length?
> (slope = 4pi^2/g) Since length is the independent variable, it should go on
> the y-axis - plot length vs period squared. Then the slope would be g/4pi^2
> - in m/s^2). Is there some historical tradition here, or am I missing
> something simple?
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