Equation Confusion: T Explained | 2π√l/g

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In summary, the given equation is for the simple harmonic motion of a hanging mass on a pendulum, where T represents the period of oscillation and l represents the length of the string. The period does not depend on how wide the mass swings and can be calculated by dividing the units of length (m) by the units of acceleration (m/s^2). The formula for frequency is also mentioned, with units of 1/sec.
  • #1
Air
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I've come across a equation and I don't understand whether [itex]T[/itex] is Time/s or Tension/N. Can someone explain this equation:

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

Thanks in advance.
 
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  • #2
That would be the equation for the simple harmonic motion of a hanging mass on a pendulum.

T denotes the period of oscillation,
l the length of the string on which the mass hangs.

Notice that the period doesn't depend on how "wide" the mass swings.
 
  • #3
it is time. In fact period. Put the units for them and calculute the final result.

l : m/s
g: m/s^2

(m/s) / (m/s^2) : s
 
  • #4
Isn't Period equal to:

[itex]P = \frac{1}{T}[/itex]

So to calculate time of oscillation, [itex]T[/itex] would need to be made subject.
 
  • #5
frequence : 1/s
period : s
 
  • #6
Air said:
Isn't Period equal to:

[itex]P = \frac{1}{T}[/itex]

So to calculate time of oscillation, [itex]T[/itex] would need to be made subject.
No, a "period" is a certain length of time and so has the same units as T (whatever "T" means here). The formula you give is for "frequency"- the number of times the pendulum swings during 1 second and so has units of "1/sec".
 

1. What is the equation 2π√l/g used for?

The equation 2π√l/g is commonly used to calculate the period of a pendulum. It relates the length of the pendulum (l), the acceleration due to gravity (g), and the amount of time it takes for the pendulum to complete one full swing (T).

2. Why is the equation 2π√l/g also known as the "equation of motion"?

This equation is often referred to as the "equation of motion" because it describes the motion of a pendulum as it swings back and forth. It shows how the length of the pendulum and the acceleration due to gravity affect the period of the pendulum's motion.

3. How does changing the length of the pendulum affect the period of its motion?

According to the equation 2π√l/g, the period (T) of a pendulum is directly proportional to the square root of its length (l). This means that as the length of the pendulum increases, the period of its motion also increases.

4. Can the equation 2π√l/g be used for all types of pendulums?

Yes, this equation can be used to calculate the period of any type of pendulum, as long as the length (l) and acceleration due to gravity (g) are known. This includes simple pendulums, compound pendulums, and physical pendulums.

5. How can the equation 2π√l/g be derived?

The equation 2π√l/g can be derived from the basic principles of simple harmonic motion and the law of conservation of energy. By considering the forces acting on a pendulum and using mathematical techniques, the equation can be derived to show the relationship between the length, acceleration, and period of a pendulum's motion.

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