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Oscillations

Weight decomposed in its components




Here, we have the weight force W decomposed in its components Ws in the direction of the string and Wm perpendicular to the string which is also in the direction of the motion of the mass.
Since the string tension S is a reaction force, it can only compensate the component of the weight force which is in the direction of the string. Consequently,

S = - Ws


The component of the weight Wm which is in the direction of the motion of the mass, is the restoring force which gives rise to the acelleration of the mass.



pendulum