`tau_z = - "m" *g* "d" *sin( theta )`

Enter a value for all fields

The Restoring Torque on a Physical Pendulum calculator computes the restoring torque (τ_z) on a physical pendulum based on the mass (m), acceleration due to gravity (g), distance to the center of gravity (d) and the displacement angle (θ).

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose the preferred units and enter the following:

• (m) This is the mass. 
• (d) This is the distance to the center of gravity.
• (θ) This is the angle of displacement. 

Restoring Torque (τ_z): The calculator returns the torque in Newton Meters (N·m).  However, this can be automatically converted to compatible units (e.g. Joules) via the pull-down menu.  Note, this calculator uses the constant acceleration due to gravity at sea level.

References

Young, Hugh and Freeman, Roger.  University Physics With Modern Physics.  Addison-Wesley, 2008. 12th Edition, (ISBN-13: 978-0321500625 ISBN-10: 0321500628 ) Pg 438, eq 13.36