Understanding Tension in a Pendulum Motion

[ttk3]

1.
I'm having trouble with the idea of tension in a pendulum. I've reasoned out my answers, but they're wrong. Am I missing a concept completely or am I overlooking a detail?
Homework Statement
The following questions deal with a pendulum in motion with angle not being its extreme end where v = 0 m/s

1. T is smallest when angle= ± angle not

False at the extremes the Tension is at a maximum

2. The vertical component of tension is constant.

False the vertical component is always changing due to the change of position

3. T = Mg at some angle between zero and angle not.

True this should occur at 0 degrees

4. T is greater than Mg when angle=angle not

True T = T + mg

5. T is largest at the bottom (angle=0)

False T is largest at the pendulums extremes

6. T equals Mg when angle = angle not

False T = T +mg

 

[anathema]

It seems like you have a good understanding of the concept of tension in a pendulum, but there may be some details that you are overlooking. Let's go through each statement and see if we can clarify any misunderstandings.

1. T is smallest when angle= ± angle not
You are correct in saying that this statement is false. The tension in a pendulum is actually at its maximum at the extremes, when the pendulum is at its highest point and at its lowest point. This is because the weight of the pendulum is directly opposing the tension in the string, causing it to be at its strongest.

2. The vertical component of tension is constant.
You are also correct in saying that this statement is false. The vertical component of tension is constantly changing as the pendulum swings back and forth. As the pendulum reaches its highest point, the vertical component of tension is at its maximum, and as it swings back down, the vertical component decreases until it reaches its lowest point.

3. T = Mg at some angle between zero and angle not.
This statement is true. At some point between the highest and lowest points of the pendulum, the tension will be equal to the weight of the pendulum, Mg. This occurs when the pendulum is at a 0 degree angle, or at its highest point.

4. T is greater than Mg when angle=angle not.
This statement is also true. As mentioned before, at the extremes of the pendulum's swing, the tension is at its maximum. This means that at angle=angle not, the tension will be greater than the weight of the pendulum, which is Mg.

5. T is largest at the bottom (angle=0).
This statement is false. The tension is actually largest at the extremes of the pendulum's swing, not at the bottom. At the bottom, the pendulum is at its lowest point and the tension is at its minimum.

6. T equals Mg when angle = angle not.
This statement is false, as we discussed in statement 3. The tension is equal to Mg at a 0 degree angle, not at angle not.

I hope this helps clarify any confusion you may have had. Remember, tension is an important force to consider in a pendulum's motion, and it changes throughout the pendulum's swing. Keep up the good work in your studies!

 

[m2003]

at the extremes the tension is at a maximum

It seems like you have a good understanding of the concepts involved in a pendulum motion, but there may be a few details that you are missing. Tension is a force that is present in any object that is being pulled or stretched. In the case of a pendulum, the tension force is what keeps the pendulum bob moving in a circular motion.

To address the specific questions, it is important to note that tension is not constant in a pendulum motion. As the pendulum swings back and forth, the tension force changes due to the changing position of the pendulum bob. At the extremes, the tension force is at its maximum, and at the bottom (angle=0), the tension force is at its minimum.

It is also important to understand that the tension force is not equal to the weight of the pendulum bob (Mg) at all points in the motion. At some angle between zero and angle not, the tension force will be equal to the weight (Mg), but this does not necessarily occur at 0 degrees.

In summary, it is crucial to understand that tension is not a constant force in a pendulum motion and that it is at its maximum at the extremes of the motion. Keep in mind that tension is what keeps the pendulum bob in motion and that it is not always equal to the weight of the bob. I would suggest reviewing these concepts and perhaps seeking clarification from your instructor or a peer if you are still having trouble with the concept of tension in a pendulum motion.