Damping effect of swinging pendulum affect period?

In summary, the presence of a conductor at the bottom of a magnetic pendulum will cause Foucault currents to be generated, slowing down the pendulum's swinging and reducing its amplitude. However, it is unclear if this also affects the period of oscillation. Damping of the pendulum can cause a decrease in frequency and an increase in period, but the extent of this change depends on the amount of damping applied. The question of whether the rate of amplitude decay is proportional to the decrease in speed to preserve the time taken is still unclear.
  • #1
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Lets say i have a magnetic pendulm, (basically a barmagnet suspended from a with a string tabletop) and a conductor at the bottom.

The conductor will ofcourse have Foucault currents generated in it, and this due to conservation of energy, will slow down the swinging of the pendulum, reducing the "amplitude" of its swing.

But my question is, will it also reduce the period it takes for the pendulum to oscillate?
Is the rate at which the amplitude decays, proportional to the decrease in speed so as to preserve the time taken?
 
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  • #2
Let me answer this by asking another question.......When the conductor is present does the pendulum still move with S.H.M.?
 
  • #3
Damping of a pendulum causes a (small) decrease in its frequency and thus the period increases. How much has to do with how much damping you apply.

What do you mean exactly when you say "Is the rate at which the amplitude decays, proportional to the decrease in speed so as to preserve the time taken?"
 

1. What is the damping effect of a swinging pendulum?

The damping effect of a swinging pendulum refers to the gradual decrease in amplitude of the pendulum's swing due to external forces such as air resistance or friction.

2. How does the damping effect affect the period of a swinging pendulum?

The damping effect causes the period of a swinging pendulum to decrease over time. This is because the external forces acting on the pendulum reduce its energy and slow down its oscillations, resulting in a shorter period.

3. What factors contribute to the damping effect of a swinging pendulum?

The damping effect of a swinging pendulum is influenced by several factors, including the length and mass of the pendulum, the medium in which it is swinging, and the amplitude of its oscillations.

4. Can the damping effect be eliminated?

No, the damping effect cannot be completely eliminated. However, it can be minimized by reducing the external forces acting on the pendulum, such as by placing it in a vacuum or using a smoother surface for the pendulum to swing on.

5. How does the damping effect impact the accuracy of a pendulum clock?

The damping effect can cause a pendulum clock to lose accuracy over time since it results in a shorter period. This means that the clock may run slower than expected. To compensate for this, pendulum clocks often have a mechanism to adjust the length of the pendulum and maintain accuracy.

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