Solving Pendulum Questions: Length, Quick Swings, Clocks, Mount Everest & Moon

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In summary, the length of a pendulum affects its swing time. To make a pendulum with a longer swing time, the length should be increased. Conversely, to make a quick-swinging pendulum, the length should be decreased. For a pendulum clock with a period of 2 seconds, the length should be calculated using the formula T = 2pi \sqrt{l/g}. If a 1 second pendulum clock is desired, the length should be adjusted accordingly. The accuracy of these clocks may be affected by changes in gravity, such as moving them to the top of Mount Everest or the Moon.
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yeopar
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Homework Statement


1) If you wanted to build a pendulum that took a long time to make a full swing, what would you have to do about the length?

2) what if you wanted the reverse- a quick-swinging pendulum?

3) If you want to make a pendulum clock with a period of 2 seconds, what should its length be?

what would be the length of you wanted a 1 second pendulum clock?

would these clocks still keep accurate time if you moved then to the top of Mount Everest or the Moon? Explain

Homework Equations


there is none...?


The Attempt at a Solution


i think it is based on common sense which i am lacking of...
 
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  • #2
There is one formula which may be helpful, take a look at the mathematical pendulum formula (I'm assuming it's not a physical pendulum that we are dealing with, maybe?).

[tex]T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{g}}[/tex]

Give it a try with the maths now.
 

1. How does the length of a pendulum affect its swing?

The length of a pendulum is directly proportional to the amount of time it takes to complete one swing. This means that a longer pendulum will have a longer period, or time for one complete swing, compared to a shorter pendulum.

2. Can a pendulum complete a full swing in less than a second?

Yes, a pendulum can complete a full swing in less than a second if it is given a quick initial push. This is because the force applied to the pendulum at the start will determine the size of the swing, and a larger force will result in a quicker swing.

3. How are clocks and pendulums related?

Pendulums are often used in clocks as a way to regulate the timekeeping mechanism. The length of the pendulum is carefully calculated to create a consistent period, resulting in a clock that keeps accurate time.

4. Would a pendulum swing differently at the top of Mount Everest compared to sea level?

Yes, a pendulum's swing would be affected by the change in gravity at the top of Mount Everest. This is because gravity decreases as you move further away from the center of the Earth, so the pendulum's period would be longer at the top of Mount Everest compared to sea level.

5. Can a pendulum be used to measure gravity on the Moon?

Yes, a pendulum can be used to measure gravity on the Moon. The length of the pendulum and the time for one swing can be used to calculate the strength of gravity on the Moon, which is about one sixth of the strength of gravity on Earth.

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