6 research outputs found
The cubic period-distance relation for the Kater reversible pendulum
We describe the correct cubic relation between the mass configuration of a
Kater reversible pendulum and its period of oscillation. From an analysis of
its solutions we conclude that there could be as many as three distinct mass
configurations for which the periods of small oscillations about the two pivots
of the pendulum have the same value. We also discuss a real compound Kater
pendulum that realizes this property.Comment: 25 pages 4figure