Proof dealing w/ Simple Harmonic Oscillations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the period of a simple pendulum undergoing small oscillations, specifically relating it to the length of the pendulum and gravitational acceleration. Participants are exploring the fundamental equations of oscillation and their application to the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various equations related to oscillations, including the relationship between period, frequency, and angular frequency. There are attempts to manipulate these equations to derive the period of the pendulum. Some participants express uncertainty about their calculations and the appropriateness of the equations used.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the relationships between the variables involved in the problem. Some participants have offered equations that may assist in understanding the dynamics of the pendulum, while others are questioning the validity of their approaches and seeking clarification on specific concepts.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the angle of oscillation is limited to 5 degrees, which is relevant for the application of certain approximations in their calculations. There is also mention of needing to clarify the problem with a teacher, indicating potential gaps in understanding.

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Prove that the period of a simple pendulum doing small oscillations is equal to:

2(py)x(square root of: l/g)

where py is 3.14..(obviously..lol)... l is length of the string of the pendulum and g is gravity

Also... the pendulum is basically just a ball on a string moving from side to side. and the equations we have been given to solve it is the fundamental eq. of an oscillation:

k = mw^2 = m x(2py^2/T) = m (2(py)f^2)

where f is the frequency, m is the mass, w is omega (the angle), and k is the spring constant and T is period

tricky..eh?

thanks for any help or suggestions..
 
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oops i just read the thing i was supposed to read before posting...

anyways this is what I've done and i don't think it makes sense maybe i should clarify the question with my teacher later..

m(2(py)^2/T) = m(2(py)f^2)

T = m(2(py)^2)/m(2(py)f^2)
T = py/f^2

f = 1/T

T = (py)T^2..maybe I am using the wrong equation...

And another thing about the question is that the angle is less than or equal to 5 degrees...the angle btw the original position of the pendulum and the position of the pendulum when its movind to the side.
 
T = py/f^2

f = 1/T
First equation has got wrong dimensions whereas second equation is correct.

Equations which might help u are
[tex]\omega^2 = \frac{k}{m}[/tex]
[tex]\omega=2\pi f[/tex]
[tex]T=\frac{2\pi}{\omega}[/tex]
[tex]kl=mg[/tex]

All equations are valid for small angle [tex]\theta\leq 5^0[/tex]
 
Last edited:
thanks so much for the help with the equations...i got it! yay!

but can you explain to me how kl = mg...

thanks again
 
That requires u to know the Force equation
i.e. [tex]F=-mgsin\theta[/tex]
for small theta [tex]sin\theta = \theta[/tex]
therefore the equation is [tex]F=-m\theta = -\frac{mgx}{l}[/tex]
displacement along the arc=[tex]\theta l[/tex]

also if u draw a free body diagram fo the forces . u have
[tex]k(l+\delta x)=mgcos\theta[/tex] for small displacement u can assume [tex]\delta x=0[/tex] & [tex]cos\theta=1[/tex]
so u get kl=mg
 

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