Past exam of the physics 1 paper of the University of Oxford / 2015 resit / 10 / a

Use spherical coordinates about the fixed pivot, with fixed rod length $l$, polar angle $\theta$ measured from the downward vertical, and azimuth $\varphi$. The bob's position iswhen the Cartesian $z$ axis points upward. Differentiation gives kinetic energy $T=m{l}^2({\dot{\theta }}^2+{\sin }^2\theta {\dot{\varphi }}^2)/2$. Taking zero gravitational potential energy at pivot height gives $V=-mgl\cos \theta$. The spherical pendulum's Lagrangian is thereforeThe rod is light, rigid and of fixed length; pivot friction and air drag are neglected. A rigid rod, unlike a string, may sustain either tensile or compressive constraint force.