General information about a Pendulum

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of a simple pendulum suspended in a rocket ship, particularly focusing on how various conditions affect its period of oscillation. The context includes considerations of gravitational effects and acceleration in a uniform gravitational field near Earth.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the effects of upward and downward acceleration on the pendulum's period, questioning the relationship between gravitational acceleration and the period as described by the formula T= 2pi(l/g)^.5. There are attempts to clarify misunderstandings regarding how acceleration influences perceived gravity.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights and corrections to each other's reasoning. Some guidance has been offered regarding the implications of acceleration on gravitational effects, indicating a productive exchange of ideas.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating assumptions about gravitational acceleration in non-static conditions, particularly in the context of a moving rocket ship. There is a recognition of the need to reassess initial interpretations of the problem.

squib
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More Physics... A simple pendulum suspended in a rocket ship has a period T0. Assume that the rocket ship is near the Earth in a uniform gravitational field. Give ALL correct answers,
I'm assuming T= 2pi(l/g)^.5

A) If the ship moves upward with a constant velocity, the period increases.

velocity has nothing to do with l or g, so no change, so FALSE

B) If the ship accelerates upward, the period decreases.

This will cause a smaller g, and thus INCREASE the period, so FALSE

C) If the mass of the pendulum doubles, the period increases.

MASS is not considered here, so no change, so FALSE

D) If the ship accelerates downward at 9.8 m/s2, the pendulum will oscillate faster.

G will increase here, so the period will be smaller, and thus oscillate faster, so TRUE.

E) If the length of the pendulum is doubled, the new period will be: the square root of two times T0.
This seems true by the formula too... TRUE

Yet DE is not right. I even tried ADE in case a constant velocity outward (A) meant the force of gravity would lessen... but still no luck.
Any help here?
 
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squib said:
More Physics... A simple pendulum suspended in a rocket ship has a period T0. Assume that the rocket ship is near the Earth in a uniform gravitational field. Give ALL correct answers,
I'm assuming T= 2pi(l/g)^.5

B) If the ship accelerates upward, the period decreases.

This will cause a smaller g, and thus INCREASE the period, so FALSE

You need to rethink this one. After you understand this, go on to the later ones.
 
squib said:
B) If the ship accelerates upward, the period decreases.

This will cause a smaller g, and thus INCREASE the period, so FALSE
Have you been in an elevator? Remember that when it begins moving upward you feel momentarily heavier? So g increases.
 
Haha, wow, super stupid mistake there by me. Thanks
 

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