Blundell Thermal Physics · Problem 19.7

Equipartition of energy

Physics — Statistical Mechanics · equipartition-simple-pendulum

Problem

A simple pendulum with length ℓ\ell makes an angle θ\theta with the vertical, where θ≪1\theta \ll 1. Show that it oscillates with a period given by 2πℓ/g2\pi\sqrt{\ell/g}. The pendulum is now placed at rest and allowed to come into equilibrium with its surroundings at temperature TT. Derive an expression for ⟨θ2⟩\langle \theta^2 \rangle.

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