Derive velocity function for pendulum

AI Thread Summary
To derive the tangential velocity function for a pendulum starting from a horizontal position, the tangential component of weight is expressed as mgsin(Θ). The equation of motion is established as mgsin(Θ) = ma, leading to gsin(Θ) = dv/dt. To solve for velocity, it is suggested to express v in terms of Θ, using the relationship v = l(dΘ/dt) and applying the small angle approximation sin(Θ) ≈ Θ. This approach leads to the formulation of simple harmonic motion, allowing for the derivation of the desired velocity expression.
quantum13
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Homework Statement


A regular pendulum is swinging back and forth. Assuming it starts from a horizontal position, find an expression for its tangential velocity.

(I don't know if the question is posed right, I just asked myself it as a challenge)

2. The attempt at a solution
using a freebody diagram, I know that the tangential vector is the tangential component of weight. let Θ be the angle such that the tangential component of weight is mgsinΘ.

F = ma
mgsinΘ = ma
gsinΘ = dv/dt

I know I am supposed to do
v = ∫gsinΘ dt
but I have no clue how to do that except using rotation equations,
Θ = α/2 t^2 + ωt = a/2r t^2 + v/r t = gcosΘ/2r t^2 + v/r t

which leaves me with messy algebra that brings me in circles...

can anyone help me set up this problem?
 
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quantum13 said:

Homework Statement


A regular pendulum is swinging back and forth. Assuming it starts from a horizontal position, find an expression for its tangential velocity.

(I don't know if the question is posed right, I just asked myself it as a challenge)

2. The attempt at a solution
using a freebody diagram, I know that the tangential vector is the tangential component of weight. let Θ be the angle such that the tangential component of weight is mgsinΘ.

F = ma
mgsinΘ = ma
gsinΘ = dv/dt

I know I am supposed to do
v = ∫gsinΘ dt
but I have no clue how to do that except using rotation equations,
Θ = α/2 t^2 + ωt = a/2r t^2 + v/r t = gcosΘ/2r t^2 + v/r t

which leaves me with messy algebra that brings me in circles...

can anyone help me set up this problem?

What you might want to do is write v in terms of theta. If l is the length of the pendulum, then v = l \frac{d\theta}{dt}. Then the next thing you should do is restrict you pendulum to small oscillations (small values of theta) that way you can use the standard sin(\theta) \approx \theta approximation. Note two things: you will end up with the second derivative of theta, and the equation for simple harmonic motion. You can use the solution of that equation to get the velocity you want from the relationship between the linear and angular velocity I wrote earlier.
 
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