A pendulum swings back and forth with a period of 2 seconds. If it starts at its maximum displacement, how long will it take to return to that position for the third time?

Wed, 06 May 2026 12:50:13 +0000

**A Pendulum Swings Back and Forth with a Period of 2 Seconds. If It Starts at Maximum Displacement, How Long to Return for the Third Time?** Ever wonder exactly how long it takes a pendulum to swing all the way back to its starting point—like that moment when it swings past maximum displacement, reverses, and returns three times? At a steady 2-second period, the answer reflects both timeless physics and modern curiosity. For those engaged in science, engineering, or even casual trending questions, this isn’t just a riddle—it’s a daily demonstration of predictable motion. At exactly 2 seconds per full swing (both ways), the pendulum completes one full cycle every 2 seconds. Starting at maximum displacement, the first return to that position happens after 4 seconds—just two full swings. But the third return? That requires one complete cycle after the second. The math is simple:
- First return: 4 seconds
- Second return: 6 seconds
- Third return: 8 seconds So, starting from maximum displacement, it takes 8 seconds to complete the third return. This predictable rhythm aligns with the consistent behavior of a simple pendulum modeled with idealized harmonic motion.