How nonlinearity affects a pendulum

· John Cook · April 25, 2026, 12:31 a.m.
Summary
This blog post discusses the effect of nonlinearity on a pendulum's motion, focusing on the differential equation governing it. The author critiques the common teaching approach of only considering small angles (θ) in introductory physics classes, hinting at a deeper exploration of pendulum dynamics beyond basic assumptions. Overall, it challenges conventional pedagogical methods in physics education.
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