The Moving Center of Mass of a Leaking Bob

Abstract

The evaluation of variation in oscillation time period of a simple pendulum as its mass varies proves a rich source of discussion in a physics class-room, overcoming erroneous notions carried forward by students as to what constitutes a pendulum's length due to picking up only the results of approximations and ignoring the rigorous definition. The discussion also presents a exercise for evaluating center of mass of geometrical shapes and system of bodies. In all, the pedagogical value of the problem is worth both theoretical and experimental efforts. This article discusses the theoretical considerations.