Calculating Altitude Using a Pendulum: A Simple Guide

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    Altitude Pendulum
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To measure altitude using a pendulum, the period of the pendulum (T) is related to the length (l) and gravitational acceleration (g) with the formula T=2π√(l/g). The gravitational acceleration at height h above the Earth's surface can be calculated using g=GM_E/((R_E+h)²), where R_E is the average radius of the Earth. The average radius can be determined through the polar and equatorial radii. While 'g' changes slightly with altitude, it can still be effectively measured using this method. Understanding these formulas allows for altitude calculations based on pendulum measurements.
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How can I measure altitude depending on the period of a pendulum? I know I have to calculate the value for g but I don't know how exactly altitude could be calculated.
 
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Within "human limits",'g' is very weakly dependent upon altitude,but certainly,in principle,one can measure its values using a pendulum...

T=2\pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{g}}

g=\frac{GM_{E}}{(\bar{R}_{E}+h)^{2}}

Daniel.
 
Sorry, but can you explain what the second formula means?
 
That is the acceleration of a body at height "h" about the surface of the Earth,due to Earths gravity...I'm sure it's not the first time u saw it...

Daniel.
 
what is \bar{R}_{E} ?
 
The Average Radius of the Earth...??You know the one which you can compute,if you know the polar & equatorial radius and a bit of geometry.

Daniel.
 

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