Angular frequency of a pendulum

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the angular frequency of a physical pendulum consisting of a 1.5kg mass attached to a 1.00m long stick. The initial attempt at solving the problem yielded an angular frequency of 3.83 rad/s, which was incorrect according to the solutions manual that states the correct answer is 3.32 rad/s. A key point of confusion was the variable 'd', which represents the distance to the center of mass (CM) from the pivot point, calculated as 0.75m. The correct calculation for the CM involves considering the uniform distribution of mass along the stick. Understanding the center of mass is crucial for accurately determining the angular frequency of the pendulum.
dlp211
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Homework Statement



A physical pendulum consists of a small 1.5kg mass at the bottom end of a uniform 1.00m long 1.5kg stick swinging about its upper end. The moment of inertia of the pendulum about its upper end is 2.00kg*m^2. What is the angular frequency

Homework Equations



sqrt(mgd/I)=w

I = I(cm)+md^2 = I = (1/3)(1.5)(1^2)+ (1.5)(d^2) = 2

The Attempt at a Solution



m = 1.5+1.5
g = 9.81
d = 1
I = 2

w = sqrt([3*9.81*1]/2) = 3.83 rad/s

According to my solutions manual this is wrong and the correct answer is 3.32 rad/s and somehow d = .75. I don't know how they calculated that, can anyone help?
 
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Do you know what d means in the formula for angular frequency?

ehild
 
I thought d was distance, but I am guessing that it isn't?
 
Distance of what?

ehild
 
Wait, is supposed to be distance to center mass? The lecture notes don't say this, but I think this is right.

[1.5(.5)+1.5(1.0)]/3 = .75
 
Yes, it is the distance of the CM from the pivot.:smile:

ehild
 
Thanks
 
dlp211 said:
Wait, is supposed to be distance to center mass? The lecture notes don't say this, but I think this is right.

[1.5(.5)+1.5(1.0)]/3 = .75

Can someone explain to me how this was done? Is that the equation for the center of mass? Where did the number 0.5 come from? Thanks!
 
jtc143 said:
Can someone explain to me how this was done? Is that the equation for the center of mass? Where did the number 0.5 come from? Thanks!

Yes that is the center of mass equation.

The 0.5 comes from the uniform rod of 1m.
 
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