A pendulum is a mass (bob) suspended from a fixed point so it can swing freely under the force of gravity.
When displaced from its equilibrium position, gravity provides a restoring force that pulls it back.
This force causes the pendulum to oscillate, moreover moving back and forth in a regular pattern.
In physics labs, pendulums are used to:
Study simple harmonic motion
Measure time periods and acceleration due to gravity (g)
Explore the effects of length, mass, and amplitude on oscillations
The motion of a pendulum helps in understanding periodic motion and energy conversion between potential and kinetic energy.