Solving Pendulum Question on Physics Quiz: Length 2m, 10 Oscillations in 32 secs

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the gravitational acceleration on a moon based on a pendulum's oscillation data. The formula used is g = 4π²L/T², where L is the length of the pendulum (2m) and T is the period of oscillation. The user initially calculated the period as 3.125 seconds, leading to an incorrect gravitational value of 8.08 m/s². The correct period, derived from the total time for 10 oscillations (32 seconds), is 3.2 seconds, which should yield a different gravitational acceleration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of pendulum motion and oscillation principles
  • Familiarity with the formula g = 4π²L/T²
  • Basic arithmetic and algebra skills
  • Knowledge of frequency and period relationships (T = 1/f)
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  • Review the derivation and application of the formula g = 4π²L/T²
  • Practice calculating gravitational acceleration using different pendulum lengths and periods
  • Explore the effects of varying gravitational fields on pendulum motion
  • Learn about oscillation frequency and its impact on period calculations
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Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding pendulum dynamics and gravitational calculations.

NoHeart
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I'm having a problem with just one question on this week's physics quiz-
a pendulum with length 2m on a moon oscillates 10 times in 32 seconds, what is the gravity on this moon?

i know (or thought i knew) how to get the answer to this, with the simple formula g=4pi^2L/T^2

10 oscillations in 32 seconds means a frequency of .32Hz, right? and T=1/f so T=3.125, right?
so when i plug in T as 3.125 and L as 2, i get an answer of 8.08 m/s^2

this is not one of the answer choices, however. my choices are 2.54, 9.86, 7.71, and 3.86
what have i done wrong?
 
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Your approach is correct, Your arithmetic is wrong. The Period would be equal to 3.2
 
10 oscillations in 32 seconds means a frequency of .32Hz, right? and T=1/f so T=3.125, right?
Actually,you are not right.
T=t/r=32/10=3.2 second.
 

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