Angular frequency of the small oscillations of a pendulum

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the angular frequency of small oscillations of a pendulum, specifically focusing on the potential energy expression and its implications for the frequency calculation. Participants are examining the relationship between potential energy, angular displacement, and the derived formulas for angular frequency.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring the potential energy expression for small oscillations and questioning the validity of the derived formula for angular frequency. There are attempts to clarify the relationship between the second derivative of potential energy and the force constant.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the dimensional analysis of the equations involved. Some participants have pointed out potential discrepancies in the expressions used and are exploring the implications of these on the calculations for angular frequency.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the correct formulation of potential energy and its derivatives, as well as the dimensions associated with the derived quantities. Participants are encouraged to reconsider their assumptions and the definitions being used in their calculations.

Apashanka
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Homework Statement


One silly thing may be I am missing for small oscillations of a pendulum the potential energy is -mglcosθ ,for θ=0 is the point of stable equilibrium (e.g minimum potential energy) .

Homework Equations


Small oscillations angular frequency
ω=√(d2Veffect./mdθ2) about stable equilibrium.

The Attempt at a Solution


Solving for this gives ω=√(gl),am I missing out something
Since ω=√(g/l)
 
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Apashanka said:

Homework Statement


One silly thing may be I am missing for small oscillations of a pendulum the potential energy is -mglcosθ ,for θ=0 is the point of stable equilibrium (e.g minimum potential energy) .

Homework Equations


Small oscillations angular frequency
ω=√(d2Veffect./mdθ2) about stable equilibrium.

The Attempt at a Solution


Solving for this gives ω=√(gl),am I missing out something
Since ω=√(g/l)
ω=√(d2Veffect./mdθ2) is not true. Check the dimension.
 
ehild said:
ω=√(d2Veffect./mdθ2) is not true. Check the dimension.
If the potential V(θ) is expanded about a local Maxima or minima point θ0 then V(θ)=V(θ0)+(1/2)(d2V(θ)/dθ2)(θ-θ0)2
V(θ)~(1/2)kdθ2
or ω=√(k/m)
From that I am telling this
 
Apashanka said:
If the potential V(θ) is expanded about a local Maxima or minima point θ0 then V(θ)=V(θ0)+(1/2)(d2V(θ)/dθ2)(θ-θ0)2
V(θ)~(1/2)kdθ2
or ω=√(k/m)
From that I am telling this
The force constant is defined as force divided by displacement, so its dimension is Force/Length. The second derivative of the potential with respect to displacement is equal to the force constant. The second derivative of the potential with respect the angle has dimension of work.
The force constant is ##k= \frac{d^2V}{dx^2}##, and in case of small displacements, x=Lθ, so ##k= \frac{d^2V}{L^2dθ^2}##.
 
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