Dampening effect on a pendulum

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the time it takes for a pendulum to come to a complete stop due to damping effects. The time period formula for a pendulum, T = 2π√(L/g), is acknowledged, but it is emphasized that the total time until rest cannot be determined without knowing the specific damping forces involved, such as friction at the pivot and air resistance. The conversation highlights the necessity of experimental determination of the damping force to apply the appropriate equations for calculating the pendulum's stopping time.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of pendulum mechanics and the time period formula T = 2π√(L/g)
  • Knowledge of damping forces, including friction and air resistance
  • Familiarity with experimental methods to measure coefficients of friction
  • Basic physics principles related to motion and energy loss
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of damping on oscillatory motion in pendulums
  • Learn how to experimentally determine the coefficient of friction for pivot points
  • Explore the mathematical modeling of damping forces in pendulum systems
  • Investigate the impact of different mediums (gas vs. liquid) on pendulum motion
USEFUL FOR

Physics enthusiasts, engineers designing pendulum systems, and anyone interested in the dynamics of oscillatory motion and damping effects.

BEEFCOPTER
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Ok, my mind has gone blank. What equation do I use to calculate the time a pendulum will take to come to a complete stop?.. I have all variables, length of string, angle it was released, etc.. I know the equation for period, but how do I figure how long till it stops from DAMPENING effect..?

This isn't really a homework question, its just for something I am building. So hopefully this is the right place to post. Thanks!
 
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I guess you use the time period formula for pendulum
T=2pie.sqrt(L/g)
 
That would vary from pendulum to pendulum... there's no way to calculate how long it keep swinging without knowing the sources of friction. There's friction 1. in the bearing of the pendulum's pivot point (unless its a wire tied to a point, in which case there's energy lost in the wire) 2. between the surface of the pendulum's weight or 'bob' and any gas or liquid it's swinging in.

Once you know that damping force (experiment) you can use the equation here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pendulum
 
Ok, so, forgive me if these questions are remedial, physics is not my strongest subject. So: If, knowing the total coeffeicient of friction (of the pivot point, as well as the air resistance) what equation would represent total time until the pendulum comes to rest?
 

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