Why is a pendulum with a bob of the same size but larger mass than another bob damped more lightly?

The heavier bob has more kinetic energy/potential energy/momentum for any given amplitude of the two pendulums due to its larger mass, as each of these three quantities depend linearly on mass. The damping is due to air resistance and seeing as the bobs are the same size, we must consider the energy (potential/kinetic). The heavier bob will lose a smaller percentage of its energy per oscillation so it is therefore less heavily damped than the lighter bob.
We can also visualise this through inertia, where inertia is the resistance an object has to a change in its state of motion. Since greater mass = greater inertia, the heavier bob will have greater opposition to something, air resistance in this case, changing its state of motion.

LS
Answered by Lucy S. Physics tutor

11938 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain why for heavy nuclei there is imbalance in the number of protons and neutrons. Give reference to the range and particle type of the forces that influence this imbalance.


Discuss how the graph of orbital velocities in rotational galaxies against distance from the galactic centre implies the existence of dark matter.


Describe the workings behind the Photoelectric effect


How do I derive equations for Time of Flight and Range in Parabolic Motion?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning