Small-angle approximation
What Small-angle approximation means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of Small-angle approximation
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Reference: OCR
The condition that is part of the model, because at large amplitudes a real pendulum departs from simple harmonic motion and its period begins to increase.
Using tan θ ≈ θ in radians when relating angles to focal lengths.
Topics that use Small-angle approximation
- Astronomical telescope consisting of two converging lenses (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
- Simple harmonic oscillations (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Amplitude
- Angular frequency
- Angular magnification
- Defining equation of simple harmonic motion
- Displacement
- Energy and motion at equilibrium and maximum displacement
- Eyepiece
- Gradient as a graphical derivative
Using Small-angle approximation in the exam
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