Conical Pendulum: Period and Tension Calculation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a conical pendulum problem involving the calculation of the period of revolution and the tension in the string. The parameters include the mass of the bob, the length of the string, and the angle with the vertical.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between tension, weight, and the angle of the string. There are attempts to derive the radius of the bob's path and to relate it to the period of revolution. Questions arise regarding the appropriate equations to use for calculating the period.

Discussion Status

Participants have made progress in calculating the tension and radius, and some have suggested methods to find the period based on distance and speed. However, there remains uncertainty about the specific equation for the period, and multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that they have recently started this topic, which may influence their familiarity with the relevant equations and concepts.

tachu101
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Homework Statement



Conical Pendulum Question

Mass (m) is attached to the ceiling by a String of Length (s)
The string makes an angle of ([tex]\theta[/tex]) with the vertical

Compute the Period of Revolution and the Tension in the string?

Mass of Bob (m) -- 4.35kg
Length of String (s) -- 5.50 meters
[tex]\theta[/tex] -- 64 degrees

Homework Equations



1/2(mv^2)[tex]/[/tex]radius -- Centripetal Force

W= mg -- weight

Not sure what else I need

The Attempt at a Solution



I think that the tension in the string would be

Tcos([tex]\theta[/tex])=mg ---- T=(mg)[tex]/[/tex]cos([tex]\theta[/tex])

So

(4.35)(9.81)[tex]/[/tex]cos(64)= ---- 97.35 NI have no idea how to get the period though, but I think it has to do with

Tsin[tex]\theta[/tex]= 1/2(mv^2)[tex]/[/tex]radius
 
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So far, so good.

Once you find the speed you can use that to find the period. What's the radius of the bob's path?
 
I think that the radius would be

string length --- (s) sin (Theta) --- so 5.5sin(64)= 4.94m

I am not sure the equation to find the period though?

I have radius, string length, tension in string, and mass of the Bob.
 
tachu101 said:
I think that the radius would be

string length --- (s) sin (Theta) --- so 5.5sin(64)= 4.94m
Good.
I am not sure the equation to find the period though?
The period is just the time the bob takes to make one complete revolution. Find the speed (and figure out the distance).
 
Would I find the speed by using Tsin(theta)= (1/2)(mv^2)/radius ----

97.35 sin (64) = (1/2)(4.35)(v^2)/(4.94) ----- velocity = 14.097 m/sec ?so the distance would be (2)(radius)(pi)= (2)(4.94)(pi)= 31.03m

I am stuck now on how to find the period. Is there a certain equation that is used to find the period, we just started this topic?
 
tachu101 said:
Is there a certain equation that is used to find the period, we just started this topic?
How about distance = speed x time?
 
So (2)(pi)(r)=(velocity)(time)

thus

31.03m=(14.1m/sec)(t) ---- so ---- period= 2.2 sec?
 
Sure. It's just the time required for one revolution. You have the distance and the speed--that's all there is to it.
 
thank you so much for the help, I am going to go back and check all of my work.
 

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