Question

Why does a pendulum eventually stop swinging?

Answer 1

Explanation

1. Earth has an atmosphere made up of different gases. So air resistance is present in earth.
2. In the figure, W shows the weight or gravitational force acting on the bob, T shows the tension in the string
3. In case of a pendulum swinging, it would have been swinging non- stop if there was no air resistance, friction and gravity.
4. The air resistance due to the atmosphere present around the pendulum slows down its motion.
5. The friction at the point of support also plays an important role in slowing down the pendulum.
6. The gravitational force acting on the pendulum or weight of the pendulum which acts downwards also slows down the motion of the pendulum.

All these factors affect the movement of the pendulum and thus slows it down and eventually stops.