Calculating Altitude Using a Pendulum: A Simple Guide

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    Altitude Pendulum
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating altitude using the period of a pendulum, specifically focusing on the relationship between gravitational acceleration and altitude. Participants are exploring the formulas related to pendulum motion and gravitational force.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster seeks to understand how to calculate altitude from the period of a pendulum and the value of gravitational acceleration. Some participants provide formulas and definitions, while others ask for clarification on specific terms and concepts.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the formulas involved and questioning specific components. There is an exchange of definitions and clarifications, indicating a collaborative effort to understand the concepts better.

Contextual Notes

Participants are discussing the dependency of gravitational acceleration on altitude and the implications of using a pendulum for measurement. There is mention of the average radius of the Earth as a relevant factor in the calculations.

sebasalekhine7
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How can I measure altitude depending on the period of a pendulum? I know I have to calculate the value for g but I don't know how exactly altitude could be calculated.
 
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Within "human limits",'g' is very weakly dependent upon altitude,but certainly,in principle,one can measure its values using a pendulum...

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

[tex]g=\frac{GM_{E}}{(\bar{R}_{E}+h)^{2}}[/tex]

Daniel.
 
Sorry, but can you explain what the second formula means?
 
That is the acceleration of a body at height "h" about the surface of the Earth,due to Earths gravity...I'm sure it's not the first time u saw it...

Daniel.
 
what is [tex]\bar{R}_{E}[/tex] ?
 
The Average Radius of the Earth...??You know the one which you can compute,if you know the polar & equatorial radius and a bit of geometry.

Daniel.
 

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