Comparing Gravity on Different Planets Using a Pendulum

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The discussion revolves around comparing gravitational acceleration on two different planets using the period of a pendulum. The original poster presents data from an astronaut who measures the oscillation periods of a pendulum on both planets.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate gravitational acceleration using the formula for the period of a pendulum. Some participants question the accuracy of the calculations and the units used, suggesting a need to convert measurements appropriately.

Discussion Status

Participants have engaged in verifying the calculations for gravitational acceleration on both planets. There is acknowledgment of the calculations provided, but some uncertainty remains regarding the proper units and the implications of the results.

Contextual Notes

There is a note indicating that to obtain gravity in MKS units, the pendulum length should be recalculated in meters rather than centimeters. This suggests that unit conversion is a point of consideration in the discussion.

brayrbob
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Here is my problem that I have partly solved.

An astronaut visits planet x. She takes out a 50 cm pendulum and records a period of oscillation of 2 seconds. Then the astronaut visits planet y, takes out the same pendulum and records a period of oscillation of 1.5 seconds. Which planet has the largest gravity? What is the value of gravity on that planet?

g = 4pi^2(50)/2^2 = 493.4802201 for planet x
g = 4pi^2(50)/1.5^2 = 877.298169 for planet y
planet y has the largest gravity
Now I'm not sure how to find the value of gravity for planet y.
 
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brayrbob said:
Here is my problem that I have partly solved.

An astronaut visits planet x. She takes out a 50 cm pendulum and records a period of oscillation of 2 seconds. Then the astronaut visits planet y, takes out the same pendulum and records a period of oscillation of 1.5 seconds. Which planet has the largest gravity? What is the value of gravity on that planet?

g = 4pi^2(50)/2^2 = 493.4802201 for planet x
g = 4pi^2(50)/1.5^2 = 877.298169 for planet y
planet y has the largest gravity
Now I'm not sure how to find the value of gravity for planet y.
you've already calculated the gravity "g" for both planets.

(note: to obtain g in mks units, recalulate values using pendulum length of 0.5 meters instead of 50 cm.)
 
So the gravity for the planets is the vaule of gravity?
planet y has the vaule of gravity of g= 877.29cm/s^2
 
brayrbob said:
So the gravity for the planets is the vaule of gravity?
planet y has the vaule of gravity of g= 877.29cm/s^2
yes (at the location of the pendulum)
 

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