Difference between angular frecuency and velocity pendulum

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the distinction between angular frequency and angular velocity in the context of pendulum motion. Participants explore the definitions and implications of these terms, particularly in relation to simple harmonic motion (SHM) and the equations governing pendulum behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the angular frequency of a pendulum is given by the equation w = sqrt(g/L), while angular velocity can be derived from v = w.r.
  • One participant describes the motion of the pendulum as sinusoidal, with angular frequency related to the period of oscillation.
  • Another participant emphasizes that the two "omega" values refer to different concepts: one is constant and relates to the oscillation rate, while the other varies as the pendulum swings.
  • Some participants express confusion over whether the two angular velocities are equivalent, with differing opinions on their relationship.
  • Clarifications are made that the angular frequency relates to the tick rate of the pendulum, while the angular velocity pertains to the physical motion of the pendulum shaft.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach consensus on whether the two angular velocities are the same, with some asserting they differ and others maintaining they are equivalent. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the relationship between angular frequency and angular velocity.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of distinguishing between the notional angular velocity associated with the pendulum's oscillation and the physical angular velocity of the pendulum shaft, which changes during motion.

Andres Padilla
Hello! I hope someone could help me to solve mu doubt, I am very confused and I don't find answers in internet. My question is about pendulums. I know the angular frecuency of a pendulum is give by the equation w= sqrt(g/L). But also i know the angular velocity (also named with "omega") can be found from v=w.r . My question is, those w's have the same measure? or they differ?

This question arose from the following exercise:

A simple pendulum has a SHM, doing a maximum angle regarding to the vertical of 5°. Its period is 2.21s.
a) What is its lenght?
b) What is its maximum velocity?
c)What is its maximum angular velocity?

The book solution is this:
https://ibb.co/exBCuv

As you can see, the "w" is reckoned using v=w.r , but if I reckon the "w" with w= sqrt(g/L), the anwer is different and i don't know why.
Thanks in advance for you help
 
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The pendulum has a motion that is sinusoidal, basically ## x=A \cos(\omega t) ##, with some amplitude ## A ##, to a very good approximation, = provided the oscillations are not too large. ## \omega=2 \pi f=2 \pi /T =\sqrt{g/L}##. (with credit to @jbriggs444 for the last equality from his post below). (It can also have an arbitrary phase angle ## \phi ##). ## \\ ## If you want to consider circular motion about the point where it rotates, ## x/L=tan(\theta) \approx \theta ## (measuring in radians, small angles), so that ## \dot{\theta}=\dot{x}/L=-A \omega \sin(\omega t)/L ##, (at least for small oscillations). This ## \dot{\theta} ## is the angular velocity of the object in a rotation about the point where the pendulum is hung from. Velocity ## v=L \dot{\theta} ##.
 
Last edited:
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Andres Padilla said:
I hope someone could help me to solve mu doubt, I am very confusing and I don't find answers in internet. My question is about pendulums. I know the angular frecuency of a pendulum is give by the equation w= sqrt(g/L). But also i know the angular velocity (also named with "omega") can be found from v=w.r . My question is, those w's have the same measure? or they differ?
They differ.

[Note that you can find an "omega" symbol on these forums by clicking on the Σ sign above the editting panel and finding the "ω" character in the resulting list of special characters]

The omega for angular frequency relates to the tick rate of the pendulum. Two pi radians per back-and-forth cycle at a constant rate. You could think of this as if the position of the tip of the pendulum was matching the x coordinate on a blip moving in a small circle whose radius is equal to the amplitude of the pendulum swing. This is the ##\omega=\sqrt{\frac{g}{L}}##

The omega for the angular velocity of the pendulum relates to the angle of the shaft of the pendulum as the tip cycles back and forth over the bottom part of a larger circle centered on the axis to which the pendulum is attached. This angular velocity will vary between a maximum at the bottom of the stroke and zero at the ends of the stroke. This is the ##v=\omega r##.
 
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Andres Padilla said:
Hello! I hope someone could help me to solve mu doubt, I am very confused and I don't find answers in internet. My question is about pendulums. I know the angular frecuency of a pendulum is give by the equation w= sqrt(g/L). But also i know the angular velocity (also named with "omega") can be found from v=w.r . My question is, those w's have the same measure? or they differ?

I'm not following what jbriggs444 is saying. The two angular velocities (radians per second) that you reference are the same. v is the velocity (meters per second) of a point along the pendulum and that will vary with distance, r, from the pivot point. That's reasonable as during the same time interval a point at the end of the pendulum travels further than a point at, say, the midpoint, hence it has higher velocity.
 
pixel said:
I'm not following what jbriggs444 is saying. The two angular velocities (radians per second) that you reference are the same.
No, they are not.

The one is the notional angular velocity of an imaginary point going around an imaginary circle in lock-step with the ticks of the pendulum, one rotation per pendulum round trip. That angular velocity is roughly constant.

The other is the physical angular velocity of the pendulum shaft. That angular velocity is changing as the pendulum swings back and forth.
 
jbriggs444 said:
No, they are not..

Oh, I see. Thanks.
 

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