Calculating the Angle of a Pendulum Swing into a Peg

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the angle of a pendulum swing into a peg, focusing on the relationship between various angles and lengths in the setup. The original poster presents a mathematical expression for angle θ and describes the geometry of the pendulum's motion, including the roles of displacement and angles in the system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the validity of using the Newtonian position formula in this context, questioning the assumptions of uniform acceleration. The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to proceed with their calculations and seeks guidance on deriving further steps.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered insights regarding the limitations of the original poster's approach, suggesting that they reconsider the conditions imposed on angle β. There is an ongoing exploration of how to address the changing acceleration in the pendulum's motion without relying solely on the initial position formula.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes that the problem is more mathematical than physical, indicating a potential disconnect between the physics concepts and the mathematical methods being applied. There is also mention of a sketch that may not accurately represent the trajectory of the pendulum.

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Homework Statement


With this problem I have to get the answer: cosθ = r/L * cosα - √(3)/2 * (1 - r/L)
which in other words mean I need to find angle θ with arccos[r/L * cosα - √(3)/2 * (1 - r/L)].

Here's the picture:
11d636180c.jpg

Lcosθ is the vertical length of the string at its lowest point.

rcosα is a fraction of that same vertical string in terms of displacement "r" (which is from the start of the string to the peg)

∠β is the angle between the peg and the horizon.

(L-r) sinβ is the height from the end of the peg and the horizontal

(L-r) cosα is the horizontal length of that same peg.

(L-r)cosα is the vertical length of the string from the ball to the peg.

So, this is not really a physics issue but more like a math issue but since this is a physics problem I've decided to put it under here.

My problem is that I am unable to continue from this point as shown on the picture of my attempt. I don't know where to continue from here on out. I am trying to find "t" for the equation but I am unsure how. Where do I continue from now?

Homework Equations


[/B]
Newtonian Position Formula:
yf = yi +viyt + .5gt2
xf = xi +vixt + .5gt2

Energy Equation:
Work of hand - force of friction * displacement = delta Kinetic Energy + delta Potential Energy

Wh - fF*d = [.5*mvf2 - .5*mvi2] - [mghf - mghi]

The Attempt at a Solution


Picture of Attempt:
e4bfe92db3.jpg
[/B]
 
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Hello Stranger, :welcome:

Your position formula is only valid for uniform acceleration. You don't have that here !
Can you think of a condition you can impose on ##\beta## ?
 
BvU said:
Hello Stranger, :welcome:

Your position formula is only valid for uniform acceleration. You don't have that here !
Can you think of a condition you can impose on ##\beta## ?

Thanks for the welcome :).
The only method I can think of when dealing with changing acceleration by breaking it into parts. Each part for every time the value of acceleration changes. I have not yet learned ho to derive very well but I know it exists. As for angle β I am clueless on what to impose.
 
Well, then perhaps you can conquer this one without dealing with changing acceleration ?
The sketch suggests a trajectory, but is it realistic ? Where must the mass run out of sped to fall on the peg ? What would happen if it ran out of speed at e.g. 85 degrees ?
 

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