Proving that ##\omega_0^2 < 2g/l ## for a simple pendulum.

In summary, the problem involves a pendulum with a mass attached to a string of length l, suspended from a fixed point. After being hit with a horizontal impulse, the pendulum has an initial angular velocity ω0. It is asked to show that if ω20 < 2g/l, the string will always be in tension and the motion will be confined below a horizontal plane passing through the suspension point. A solution is attempted using the Euler Lagrange equations, but there is uncertainty on how to proceed. Another possible approach is to use the balance of virtual centrifugal force, gravity, and code tension, but it is not clear how to apply Lagrange multipliers in this situation.
  • #1
hello_world30
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TL;DR Summary
Using Lagrange multipliers to prove tension as a force of constraint and that # \omega_0^2 < 2gl ##
Here is the problem :
A pendulum is composed of a mass m attached to a string of length l, which is suspended
from a fixed point. When hanging at equilibrium, the pendulum is hit with a horizontal
impulse that results in an initial angular velocity ω0. Show that if ω20 < 2g/l, the string
will always be in tension and that the motion will be confined below a horizontal plane
passing through the suspension point of the string.My attempt at the solution:

L = ## 1/2 ml^2\theta'^2 + mglcos(\theta) ##

Then solving for the Euler Lagrange equations I get ##T = m\theta^" l^2 + mglsin\theta ##

However, I do not know how to proceed from here.
 
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  • #2
[tex]\omega_0^2 < 2g/l[/tex] is transformed to
[tex]l^2 \omega_0^2 < 2gl[/tex]
[tex]\frac{1}{2}m l^2 \omega_0^2 < mgl[/tex]
where m is mass of pendulum plomb.
LHS is kinetic energy at the bottom. RHS is potential energy from the bottom corresponding to pendulum angle of 90 degree.
 
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  • #3
anuttarasammyak said:
[tex]\omega_0^2 < 2g/l[/tex] is transformed to
[tex]l^2 \omega_0^2 < 2gl[/tex]
[tex]\frac{1}{2}m l^2 \omega_0^2 < mgl[/tex]
where m is mass of pendulum plomb.
LHS is kinetic energy at the bottom. RHS is potential energy from the bottom corresponding to pendulum angle of 90 degree.
is there a way to solve it using lagrange multipliers ?
 
  • #4
I am not familiar with applying Lagrange method for such a code tension issue.
Balance of virtual centrifugal force, gravity and code tension would be an another method.
 

What is a simple pendulum?

A simple pendulum is a weight suspended from a pivot point that can swing back and forth due to the force of gravity.

What is the equation for the motion of a simple pendulum?

The equation for the motion of a simple pendulum is T = 2π√(l/g), where T is the period of the pendulum, l is the length of the pendulum, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

How do you prove that ##\omega_0^2 < 2g/l ## for a simple pendulum?

To prove this inequality, you can use the equation for the motion of a simple pendulum and substitute in the value for ω0 (the angular frequency) which is equal to 2π/T. This will result in the inequality T^2 < 4π^2(l/g), which can be simplified to T^2 < 4l/g. Since T^2 is always less than 4l/g, this proves that ##\omega_0^2 < 2g/l ## for a simple pendulum.

Why is it important to prove that ##\omega_0^2 < 2g/l ## for a simple pendulum?

This inequality is important because it shows that the period of a simple pendulum is independent of the mass of the pendulum and the angle of displacement, as long as the length of the pendulum remains constant. This allows for more accurate and precise measurements and calculations when using a simple pendulum in experiments or real-life applications.

What are some real-life applications of simple pendulums?

Simple pendulums are used in a variety of applications, including timekeeping devices such as grandfather clocks, seismometers for measuring earthquakes, and as a component in some types of mechanical clocks. They are also used in physics experiments to demonstrate concepts such as period and frequency of motion.

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