Calculating Maximum Velocity of a Pendulum with Given Length and Amplitude

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the maximum speed of a pendulum with a specified mass, length, and amplitude. The original poster expresses confusion about the relevant concepts and equations needed to approach the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the use of conservation of energy principles, questioning the role of potential and kinetic energy in the context of the pendulum's motion. There are inquiries about the applicability of the Pythagorean theorem and the definitions of variables such as height and amplitude.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on using energy conservation and have mentioned specific formulas, while others are still grappling with fundamental concepts and definitions. There is a mix of understanding and confusion, with no clear consensus on the approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note a lack of clarity regarding the height in relation to amplitude and the definitions of potential and kinetic energy. The original poster expresses frustration over their understanding of the problem.

Soley101
Messages
37
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



I have a lot of questions, but once I understand this I will get the basis for the other problems:
Calculate the maximum speed of the 100g pendulum mass when it has a length of 100 cm and an amplitude of 50cm.

Homework Equations


?


The Attempt at a Solution



? nothing seems of usefulness, i don't know the questions i should ask myself
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Draw the pendulum at its highest point (amplitude of 50cm). What forces act on the ball at this point?

Use the conservation of energy and a bit of trig.
 
is there any way i can use the pythagorean theorem to solve this?
 
Last edited:
can the pythagorean theorem be used for this?
 
Soley101 said:
can the pythagorean theorem be used for this?
 
potential energy @ the top == kinetic energy @ the bottom

You dun need Pythagorean theorem.
 
i know i don't need it, but can it be done?
 
no, it cannot be used.

do you know about these formulas:
U = mgh
K = 0.5mv^2
?

You need to use those two.
 
no i don't know tose. argh I am frustered
 
  • #10
what is u and what is k
 
  • #11
I think my main problem is not knowing what the height is! b/c it doesn't seem like an amplitude on a pendulum can be the height, it seems more like the distance away from center.?
 
  • #12
is the answer 0.98 m/s ?? please help our i will never get to bed, just tell me if that's wrong. merci.
 
  • #13
You should know those formulas before touching this question.
So, it might be good if you read a little about conservation of energy.
For sure, that would help.

I am assuming that you have a book, if you dunn, just reply and I will provide a link for that.
 
  • #14
"can the pythagorean theorem be used for this?"

somehow yes

you know the hypthenuse (length)
you know the angle or angular amplitude of the motion (from the ampltude)
(I assume the 'amplitude' is [angle in radians]*[radius of the circle])
therefore you calculate the vertical displacement (make a drawing)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
4K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K