Acceleration in Harmonic Motion

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the new period of a pendulum when moved from a location with an acceleration due to gravity of 9.79 m/s² to 9.82 m/s². The original period is 3.00000 seconds, and the relevant equations for harmonic motion are provided, including x = A sin(2πft) and a = -4π²Af²sin(2πft). The user attempts to solve for the new frequency but encounters multiple solutions, indicating confusion regarding the correct approach. The correct formula for the period of a simple pendulum is also mentioned as a necessary consideration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of harmonic motion equations
  • Knowledge of pendulum mechanics
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions and their applications
  • Basic grasp of gravitational acceleration effects on pendulum motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the formula for the period of a simple pendulum: T = 2π√(L/g)
  • Explore the impact of varying gravitational acceleration on pendulum motion
  • Learn how to use Wolfram Alpha for solving trigonometric equations
  • Study the relationship between amplitude and frequency in harmonic motion
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in the dynamics of pendulum motion and harmonic oscillators.

ciao_potter
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Problem:
A pendulum that has a period of 3.00000s and that is located where the acceleration due to gravity is 9.79 m/s^2 is moved to a location where the acceleration due to gravity is 9.82 m/s^2. What is its new period, in s?

Equations
Equation for Harmonic motion: x = A sin (2pi * f * t)

Acceleration for Harmonic motion: a = -4pi^2 A f^2 sin(2pi f t)

f = 1/t = 1/3

Attempt:
Let A = 4 for both problems.
9.79 = 16/9 * pi^2 * sin (2pi/3 t)

Solving for t,
sin(2pi/3 * t) = 0.55796309317
2pi/3 * t = 0.5919292673 (radians)
t = 0.282654065 seconds

9.82 = 16 * pi^2 * f^2 sin(2pi * 0.282654 * f)
f^2 sin(2pi * 0.282654 * f) = 0.06218587646

Now I get a lot of answers for f.
https://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=x^2+sin(2pi+*+0.282654+*+x)+=+0.06218587646

Not sure which one is the answer.

Thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
ciao_potter said:
Problem:
A pendulum that has a period of 3.00000s and that is located where the acceleration due to gravity is 9.79 m/s^2 is moved to a location where the acceleration due to gravity is 9.82 m/s^2. What is its new period, in s?

Equations
Equation for Harmonic motion: x = A sin (2pi * f * t)

Acceleration for Harmonic motion: a = -4pi^2 A f^2 sin(2pi f t)

f = 1/t = 1/3

Attempt:
Let A = 4 for both problems.
9.79 = 16/9 * pi^2 * sin (2pi/3 t)

Solving for t,
sin(2pi/3 * t) = 0.55796309317
2pi/3 * t = 0.5919292673 (radians)
t = 0.282654065 seconds

9.82 = 16 * pi^2 * f^2 sin(2pi * 0.282654 * f)
f^2 sin(2pi * 0.282654 * f) = 0.06218587646

Now I get a lot of answers for f.
https://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=x^2+sin(2pi+*+0.282654+*+x)+=+0.06218587646

Not sure which one is the answer.

Thank you!
Hello ciao_potter . Welcome to PF !

You are not to use the acceleration resulting from harmonic motion.
The pendulum is not likely to have an acceleration of g .

What is the formula for the period of simple pendulum?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 51 ·
2
Replies
51
Views
4K
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K