Grandfather Clock

[TomG]

Physics is physics, no matter what the application and the length of a pendulum is what determines its period. The guy in the article is claiming that the weight of the bob also has an influence, but in reality that would only happen if the additional weight changed the effective length of the pendulum by shifting its center of mass, i.e. changing its effective length. That would only happen if the bob was asymmetric, or not mounted in the exact same position on the pendulum. Added weight does change certain characteristics of the swing. A heavier bob for instance would shorten the amplitude of the swing because it requires more energy from the clock, but the period would remain the same because for small swings, the period doesn't change with the amplitude of the swing (isochronism). I knew there was a reason to hold on to those college physics books.

Tom