Effect of Nearby Mountain on an Ideal Pendulum

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of perturbation to add a horizontal component gravitational force to a pendulum near a large mountain. The suggested approach is to determine an angle that would result in a symmetric axis and ideal pendulum, and then transform the coordinates. Another suggestion is to treat the pendulum as a 1g pendulum with the center of the swing displaced by 10^-5 times the length of the pendulum arm for a first order approximation.
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bob012345
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Suppose there is a very large mountain adjacent to a pendulum such that there is a horizontal component gravitational force of ##10^{-5}g## acting on the otherwise ideal pendulum. How would one use a perturbation to add that effect to first order?

My initial thought would be to figure an angle that made the total gravitational acceleration ##g(-1z+10^{−5}x)## operating around a symmetric axis and which gives an ideal pendulum and then transform the coordinates?
 
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  • #2
If you are only looking for a 1st order approximation, treat it as a 1g pendulum with the center of the swing displaced 10^-5 A were A is the length of the pendulum arm.
 
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1. How does the nearby mountain affect the period of an ideal pendulum?

The nearby mountain can affect the period of an ideal pendulum by changing the local gravitational field. This change in gravity can cause the pendulum to swing faster or slower depending on its location relative to the mountain.

2. Can the nearby mountain cause the ideal pendulum to lose energy?

Yes, the nearby mountain can cause the ideal pendulum to lose energy through air resistance and friction. The mountain can also create turbulence in the air, which can affect the pendulum's movement and cause it to lose energy.

3. Is the effect of the nearby mountain on an ideal pendulum the same at all altitudes?

No, the effect of the nearby mountain on an ideal pendulum can vary at different altitudes. This is because the gravitational force and air resistance can change at different elevations, which can impact the pendulum's movement.

4. Can the effect of the nearby mountain on an ideal pendulum be calculated?

Yes, the effect of the nearby mountain on an ideal pendulum can be calculated using mathematical equations that take into account the mountain's mass and distance from the pendulum, as well as other factors such as air resistance and the pendulum's initial conditions.

5. How can the effect of the nearby mountain on an ideal pendulum be minimized?

The effect of the nearby mountain on an ideal pendulum can be minimized by reducing the pendulum's exposure to external forces, such as air resistance and friction. This can be achieved by using a more aerodynamic pendulum design and placing it in a location with minimal air turbulence.

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