Torsion Pendulum

We have seen that the spring force proportional to the distance stretched (F=-kx) leads to
w = (k/m)1/2 through Newton's 2nd law (F = ma).

By mathematically identical steps, if torque t = -k'q , applying t = Ia to an oscillator that twists back and forth, we find that w = (k'/I)1/2. Call k' the torsion constant.

For example, a mass hanging on a spring: instead of having it oscillate up and down, we could give it a twist and let it twist back and forth. Another example is a mass hanging on a string: if given a twist, it will turn one way, then go back the other way, etc.

Now go back to the main page on oscillations and waves.

My other main pages:

mechanics
fluids, heat, electricity and magnetism

quantum
index

Comments, questions: email fredrick.gram @tri-c.edu (remove space before @)