# Measuring Short Intervals of Time

## definition

### Working of a simple pendulum

A simple pendulum has a heavy point mass (known as bob) suspended from a rigid support by a massless and inextensible string. When the bob from its mean position is pulled to one side and then released, the pendulum is set to motion and the bob moves alternately on either side of its mean position.

## definition

### Terms related to Simple Pendulum

These are important terms pertaining to simple pendulum:
1. Oscillation: One complete to and fro motion of the pendulum is called one oscillation
2. Time period: This is the time taken to complete one oscillation.
3. Frequency of oscillation: It is the number of oscillations made in one second.

## definition

### Factors affecting the time period of a simple pendulum

where
Time period, length, acceleration due to gravity
1. The time period of oscillation is directly proportional to to the square root of its effective length.
2. The time period of oscillation is inversely proportional to the square root of acceleration due to gravity.
3. The time period of oscillation does not depend on the mass or material of the body suspended.
4. The time period of oscillation does not depend on the extent of swing on either side.